Warren County officials clarify data center regulations after public concerns
Warren County leaders approved stricter zoning amendments for data centers after a public hearing, aiming to deter development. Residents expressed concerns about noise, water, electricity, air quality, and health, requesting a six-month pause for more public input. Officials clarified their intent to implement the strictest possible standards and rejected a moratorium to avoid loopholes.
Warren County, Kentucky leaders moved forward with the second reading of zoning amendments aimed at tightening restrictions on data center facilities, despite public concerns. Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman spent close to an hour addressing questions regarding noise, water consumption, electric grid demand, air quality, and decommissioning, stating the amendments are designed to create some of the strictest legally enforceable standards to discourage data center development.
Residents, including Cathy Severns and Janice Chumbler, voiced strong opposition. Severns requested a six-month pause in the process to allow for more public input and understanding of the proposed regulations, questioning the lack of earlier public discussion. Chumbler highlighted potential health impacts, referencing her own experience with cancer and industrial development in Paducah.
Gorman countered that any future facility would still need to meet state and federal environmental standards, including air quality permitting. Fifth District Magistrate Eric Aldridge argued against a moratorium, explaining it could create a loophole for developers to purchase qualifying property before new restrictions took effect, thereby potentially exempting them from future rules.
Following public comment and discussion, the Fiscal Court approved the second and final reading of the zoning text amendments. County leaders indicated that these regulations could be revisited and strengthened further in the future if necessary.