Monroe County imposes 18-month pause on data centers
The Monroe County board has enacted an 18-month moratorium on new zoning permits for medium and large data centers and battery storage facilities. This pause will allow the county to study the potential impacts on the environment, water resources, infrastructure, and property values. During this period, the county plans to develop clear zoning rules for these facilities.
The Monroe County board has voted 10 to 3 to pass an 18-month moratorium on new zoning permits for medium and large data centers and battery storage facilities. This decision comes after the board listened to concerns from local residents and representatives from data center companies.
The pause is intended to provide the county with sufficient time to study the potential impacts of these developments on various aspects, including the environment, water resources, existing infrastructure, and property values within Monroe County. As one board member stated, the goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding to best serve the citizens.
Over the next year and a half, the county government plans to draft and implement new zoning rules that will establish clear standards for how and where data centers and battery storage facilities can be constructed. Townships within Monroe County will be given the opportunity to review these proposed rules before they are finalized and adopted.