Listening Session in Frankfort allows Kentuckians to voice concerns about data centers
Kentucky lawmakers held a listening session in Frankfort where residents voiced concerns about potential data center development, including water use, noise and land use. Many speakers called for studies, guardrails or a pause on projects, while others expressed support for expanding data centers and artificial intelligence.
Rep. Adam Moore organized a listening session at the Kentucky Capitol Annex in Frankfort to hear public views on potential data center development. Residents raised concerns about water consumption, noise, land use and a lack of transparency, with Dr. Diane Floyd of Mercer County saying open-records requests had repeatedly been denied.
Some participants urged Kentucky to slow or pause development and conduct an impartial study of whether proposed projects are feasible. Martin Rivers of Fayette County offered a contrasting view, saying he supports data centers and wants artificial intelligence development to move faster as lawmakers consider potential safeguards.