Clinton County commissioners approve a 12-month moratorium on data centers to update zoning ordinances

Clinton County commissioners in Michigan recently approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments. The decision, made on Tuesday, aims to provide the county with sufficient time to update its zoning ordinance, which currently lacks specific regulations for data centers. John Fuentes, the Clinton County administrator, emphasized that this measure is a proactive step rather than a reaction to any specific proposed project. He stated it is intended to prepare the county for potential future data center developments. Fuentes clarified that the moratorium is not county-wide, impacting only the 10 townships within the county that are subject to county zoning. Jim Lawless, a St. Johns resident and recently retired construction electrician, attended the meeting and voiced his support for the moratorium. While acknowledging the potential job creation data centers can bring, Lawless agreed that guidelines and regulations are necessary for these facilities entering the area. The moratorium will remain in effect for up to 12 months or until the county's zoning ordinance is officially amended to address data center developments.