Fairfield County holds public meeting on data centers amid moratorium
Fairfield County held its first public meeting on potential data center regulations after adopting a 12-month moratorium in September. Jenkinsville residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, groundwater, noise pollution and higher electric rates, while officials began gathering input for future regulations.
Dozens of Jenkinsville residents attended a public meeting at the Monticello Community Center to voice concerns about the potential development of a data center in Fairfield County. Residents cited possible effects on wooded areas, groundwater and noise levels, while others opposed bringing data center activity to the community altogether.
The Jenkinsville mayor warned that a data center could increase electricity costs for local residents, particularly given the area’s nuclear power infrastructure and existing concerns about electric bills. Fairfield County adopted a 12-month data center moratorium in September, although officials said no applications were pending at the time. The area near the Jenkinsville nuclear station remains a possible site because of its zoning, lake and access to imported water and electricity. Public comments will inform county regulations, with another town hall scheduled in Ridgeway on Jan. 7.