Knox County Commission starts process to regulate AI data centers
The Knox County Commission has approved a resolution to begin regulating data centers within the county, aiming to amend existing zoning ordinances. The proposed changes would introduce a specific 'Data Center Zoning District' and consider impacts like electricity and water usage. The measure now moves to the Planning Commission for further review.
The Knox County Commission has voted to initiate a process aimed at regulating data centers, approving a resolution to amend the county's zoning ordinance. The resolution, requested by Commissioners Andy Fox, Angela Russell, Rhonda Lee, and Adam Thompson, seeks to address concerns over data centers' significant electricity and water demands, noise, and potential land and air pollution.
Commissioner Fox highlighted the proposal to create a new 'Data Center Zoning District' where facilities with specific electrical and water usage demands would be exclusively permitted. While the Commission discussed a potential moratorium on new data centers or expansions, they ultimately did not include it in the current resolution but indicated it could be revisited.
The decision comes amidst local opposition, with members of Indivisible Knoxville's Bridge Brigade demonstrating against data centers in Knox County, citing negative impacts observed elsewhere. During the meeting, community members echoed these concerns. Erin Gill from the Knoxville Utility Board (KUB) informed the commission that KUB already services three data centers, including a large one in Knox County with a contracted demand of 70 megawatts. She clarified that data centers pay for infrastructure adjustments upfront and their energy consumption helps stabilize local rates.
The resolution now advances to the Knoxville Knox County Planning Commission, which will determine specific amendments to the zoning ordinance before the item returns to the County Commission for a final vote. The City of Rocky Top in East Tennessee is also reportedly considering similar regulations.