Data center regulations in Cave City voted down, council supports moratorium

The Cave City City Council in Kentucky voted 4-1 to enact a one-year moratorium on all decisions related to data centers, including accepting or processing applications for establishment, construction, or expansion within city limits. This vote came after the council also rejected, by a 4-1 margin, a proposed ordinance that would have introduced zoning regulations for data centers. Council member Denny Doyle was the sole dissenting vote in both instances. The moratorium ordinance requires two readings to go into effect, with a special meeting planned for a second reading. Community members present at the meeting voiced strong opposition to data centers, citing concerns that large-scale facilities would conflict with Cave City's rural, tourism-dependent identity and negatively impact the environment due to high electricity and water demands. Residents like Sammye Jo Estes called for stronger permitting restrictions or a moratorium, emphasizing the protection of farmland and natural resources. Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher had previously advocated for maintaining data centers as a permitted use within heavy industry zoning, arguing it would support strategic growth and attract investment. While he stated he would not support projects with detrimental effects, his remarks at the meeting about