Jacksonville wants 1-year data center moratorium to do research
Jacksonville aldermen are considering a one-year moratorium on data center development so the city can study its economic, environmental, utility and community impacts. The proposal follows the Morgan County Commission's extension of a countywide moratorium through April and growing resident demands for safeguards and transparency.
Jacksonville City Council members, led by Alderman Rob Thomas, informally agreed to introduce a resolution supporting a city data center moratorium at their Nov. 9 meeting. Thomas said the pause would allow a special studies committee to solicit public comment and examine economic, environmental, financial, water and electricity impacts; Mayor Andy Ezard said a one-year moratorium may be appropriate.
The discussion comes as Morgan County's existing six-month moratorium has been extended through April. Residents and members of Morgan County Accountability for Data Center Development are pressing both governments for stronger protections, while some county officials oppose additional action until the state legislature clarifies its position. Officials also dispute rumors that a data center is imminent, citing current power limitations in Jacksonville and Morgan County.