Local data center battles in Kentucky are contentious

The prospect of power-intensive data centers moving into Kentucky has ignited contentious debates and political action across the state, with local communities grappling with perceived economic benefits versus environmental and resource impacts. Cody Stinnett, a 32-year-old Mercer County resident, plans to change his political affiliation and is running for county magistrate, driven by strong concerns over data center proliferation and a potential project in his area. He has organized with the local group "We Are Mercer County," which is worried about the impact on the environment, electricity rates, and local services like fire prevention. The Mercer County Planning and Zoning Commission is currently considering a draft ordinance to regulate data centers, following months of evolving debate. Residents packed meetings where concerns were raised about the use of "prime farmland" and whether ratepayers would shoulder the costs of electricity infrastructure upgrades. Randy Strobo, an environmental attorney representing Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, criticized the draft ordinance as incomplete and unlawful, advocating for a temporary pause to properly assess impacts. Multiple individuals, including Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Erin Petrey, have called for a moratorium on data centers to allow for more time to assess potential regulations. The issue extends to Mason County, where the nonprofit group "We Are Mason County" is suing the local government over a data center ordinance, arguing it conflicts with the county's comprehensive plan. Max Moran, the nonprofit's leader, is running for county judge-executive, citing the data center issue as a primary motivation. Meanwhile, state lawmakers in Frankfort did not pass any data center regulations during their recent session, including a bill that would have required utilities to ensure ratepayers do not bear infrastructure costs. Utilities like Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities maintain their existing regulations are sufficient.