Data center opponents dominate Blount County Planning Commission
A large crowd expressed strong opposition to data center developments at a Blount County Planning Commission meeting, despite the commission's limited direct authority over a proposed site. Commissioners indicated that new zoning regulations are being considered to restrict data centers county-wide. This public push was largely in response to ALCOA, Inc.'s announcement about seeking data center partnerships for its former South Plant site.
A significant public turnout dominated a recent Blount County Planning Commission meeting in Maryville, Tennessee, with 19 speakers expressing strong opposition to data center developments in the county. The gathering was spurred by ALCOA, Inc.'s spring announcement of its intent to seek data center partnership opportunities for its closed South Plant site, which is located within the city of Alcoa. Many attendees were seemingly unaware that the Planning Commission has no direct authority over the Alcoa site's development, as it falls under city jurisdiction.
Despite the commission's limited immediate power over the specific Alcoa project, the public input session highlighted widespread concern. Commissioner Jessica Hannah, also a county commissioner for District 1, assured the audience that their concerns were heard. She confirmed that members of the county legislative bodies are actively drafting resolutions to establish new zoning regulations, aiming to prevent future data center operations across Blount County.
The article referenced regulatory changes in other counties, such as Bradley County, where commissioners recently passed an I-2 zoning district for cryptocurrency mining and data centers with strict distance requirements. Hawkins County also enacted a sweeping ban on data centers, which is now facing a lawsuit from developer ExoticRidge. These examples underscore the growing trend of local governments implementing restrictions to address the impacts of data center development.