Knox County Mayor supports commission's data center construction pause
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs supports the county commission's recent ordinance to pause new data center construction due to high utility demands, despite acknowledging their importance. The moratorium, passed Monday, specifically targets data centers consuming over 10 megawatts of power. The commission plans to develop long-term restrictions on data center placement and energy sourcing.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has publicly supported the Knox County Commission's recent decision to enact a one-year moratorium on new data center construction, despite acknowledging data centers as a "necessary part of our everyday life." Mayor Jacobs emphasized the need for clear, thoughtful standards to protect the community and avoid past missteps seen elsewhere, while also highlighting broader economic and national security considerations for data protection under U.S. laws.
The Knox County Commission officially passed an ordinance on Monday, imposing a pause on new data center developments that would consume more than 10 megawatts of power. During this one-year delay, the commission plans to deliberate and establish long-term regulations concerning data center siting, energy sourcing, and their potential impact on nearby communities.
This move aligns with similar sentiments from Knoxville's city government. Earlier this month, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon also voiced her support for limiting data center construction, reflecting a broader regional concern over the increasing utility demands and community disruption associated with these facilities.