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Bradley County commissioners voted unanimously to implement restrictions and guidelines for data centers, rather than an outright ban, following public concerns about a potential AI data center. The new rules require future AI centers to be built in an industrial two zone, currently limiting options to the county's landfill. Residents voiced strong opposition to the project, advocating for a ban, but officials warned of potential legal challenges.
Bradley County commissioners in Tennessee unanimously voted to establish restrictions and guidelines for data centers, opting against an outright ban. This decision came after an hours-long discussion at a packed county commission meeting, where numerous residents voiced concerns about the potential construction of an AI data center in the county.
Citizens advocated for a complete ban, fearing that "multi-billion-dollar corporations" would disregard lesser regulations. However, county officials argued that an outright ban on business development through zoning would be "constitutionally suspect" and likely lead to lawsuits.
Under the newly approved guidelines, any future AI data centers must be located in an industrial two (I-2) zone. Currently, the only property in Bradley County zoned I-2 is the county's landfill, meaning any other site would require a rezoning process. Resident Nikki Johnson-Corley viewed the new rules as a positive first step but urged the community to remain vigilant.