Kentucky Counties Pause Data Center Development Amid Growing Concerns
Several Kentucky counties are enacting or considering moratoriums on new data center development due to community concerns. Residents are actively opposing proposed projects, prompting local governments to draft new zoning ordinances and temporary development pauses. This trend reflects growing statewide scrutiny of data center expansion.
Numerous counties across Central Kentucky are implementing or debating moratoriums on new data center projects following public outcry over proposed developments. Residents in Burgin, Mercer County, voiced strong opposition at a recent public hearing, highlighting concerns that developers target areas with less formal planning and zoning processes. The Mercer County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission is set to discuss a draft data center ordinance next week.
Lexington Fayette Urban County Government unanimously passed a moratorium through October on new data center development after community members expressed concerns about a proposed project on a former Lexmark property. Additionally, Madison County's fiscal court and Georgetown's city council have both supported moratoriums, with Georgetown requesting its planning commission to recommend specific zoning regulations for data centers. Jessamine County's fiscal court also voted on a data center moratorium this week.
A statewide review by WKYT Investigates earlier this summer found that the Public Service Commission is aware of 29 potential data center projects across Kentucky, indicating widespread interest and potential for further local government actions.