Bell County passes data center moratorium, halting construction for 2 years

News ClipWYMT·Pineville, Bell County, KY·7/2/2026

Bell County, Kentucky officials have unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on data center construction, effectively halting a project by Murray Industries that had already begun land clearing. The decision was welcomed by local residents who had experienced disruptions from the ongoing construction.

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Gov: Bell County, Bell County Judge Executive

Bell County, Kentucky, has enacted a two-year moratorium on data center construction, effective immediately. The measure was approved by Bell County officials during a vote presided over by Judge Executive Albey Brock, passing without opposition.

This moratorium directly impacts a project by Murray Industries, which had already commenced clearing land for a data center in the county. The vote was notably moved up from its original July 14 schedule.

Local residents, including Emily Diaz and Katie Taylor, expressed relief over the decision. They cited a desire for