Knoxville City Council Approves One-Year Data Center Moratorium
The Knoxville City Council approved a one-year moratorium on data centers using more than 10 megawatts of power. This decision follows a request from Mayor Indya Kincannon and the Knox County Commission for city and county planning officials to review zoning regulations for high-energy-using data centers. The council also approved a long-term redevelopment plan for the north bank of the Tennessee River.
The Knoxville City Council voted to approve a one-year moratorium on new data centers that consume more than 10 megawatts of power. This decision came after Mayor Indya Kincannon and the Knox County Commission requested Knoxville-Knox County Planning to review zoning regulations for high-energy-using data centers in the area.
Planning Director Amy Brooks indicated that public input would be sought during the planning process. Councilwoman Lynne Fugate emphasized the need for public education on data centers, while Councilman Denzel Grant noted that the mayor's push for the ban demonstrated responsiveness to citizens' concerns. Councilman Matthew DeBardelaben mentioned the