‘Here to say no:’ SOKY Indivisible discusses plan for data center opposition
The local advocacy group SOKY Indivisible held a public discussion in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to strategize opposition to data center development. This event followed the Bowling Green City Commission's decision to vote down a proposed six-month moratorium on data centers. SOKY Indivisible plans further actions, including protests and engaging with city commissioners, while the city and county have approved new regulations for data centers.
SOKY Indivisible, a local advocacy group, hosted a public discussion in Bowling Green, Kentucky, regarding opposition to data center development. The event, attended by about 50 people at the Warren County Public Library, featured group organizer Cathy Severns, who criticized what she called "billionaires buying their way into favorable government regulations.
The meeting occurred roughly one week after the Bowling Green City Commission rejected a proposed six-month moratorium on data centers. Commissioners Dana Beasley-Brown and Carlos Bailey supported the pause, citing concerns about utility rate hikes, grid capacity issues, and community backlash seen in other regions. However, Commissioners Melinda Hill, Sue Parrigin, and Mayor Todd Alcott voted against the moratorium. While the moratorium was rejected, the city and county have unanimously approved on first readings new regulations from the City County Planning Commission that will govern data centers, including limits on proximity to residential areas and requirements for closed-loop water systems.
Attendees at the SOKY Indivisible event voiced concerns about the environmental impacts and resource consumption of data centers, with one participant, Iajahnny Von, stating that Bowling Green may not be able to support their resource demands. SOKY Indivisible plans to continue its efforts, including attending and protesting outside the next city commission meeting on June 16, and encouraging citizens to contact commissioners to reconsider a moratorium.
Severns indicated the group will develop a long-term strategy to address their concerns, emphasizing an ongoing commitment to opposing what they perceive as detrimental data center expansion.