Bowling Green Board of Commissioners Approves Data Center Regulations, Rejects Moratorium Amid Protests
The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners unanimously approved new regulations for data centers, restricting land and water use, despite public protests and calls for a six-month moratorium. The moratorium proposal was rejected by Mayor Todd Alcott and Commissioners Melinda Hill and Sue Parrigin. Community members expressed concerns about noise pollution and increased energy bills.
The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners unanimously approved new data center regulations during a meeting permeated by sounds of chants and honking cars from protestors. Despite significant public input, with over 34 community members speaking in favor of a six-month moratorium on data center development, the Board rejected the moratorium proposal.
Mayor Todd Alcott, along with Commissioners Melinda Hill and Sue Parrigin, voted against reintroducing the moratorium to the agenda, asserting their responsibility to make decisions and protect the community with clear ordinances. Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown had requested the moratorium be put back on the agenda following public comments.
The newly approved regulations impose restrictions such as requiring data centers to be at least 1,500 feet from residential districts and 500 feet from property lines. They also mandate a closed-loop water recycling system and require utility and infrastructure plans to be approved by utility companies. However, the regulations do not directly address noise pollution, and citizens voiced fears about potential increases in energy bills due to data center electricity consumption.
Community groups like SOKY Indivisible, and residents such as Laura Millikin, a former state representative Patti Minter, expressed concerns that the current ordinances do not adequately protect the community. Millikin shared experiences from other communities negatively impacted by data centers, highlighting issues like foul odors and excessive noise.