Commission Tables Vote on Data Center Moratorium
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners tabled a vote on a one-year moratorium on data centers, citing concerns over potential lawsuits similar to one faced by Hawkins County. Commissioners explained that without established zoning laws in Lawrence County, such a moratorium would be legally unenforceable and could expose the county to legal and financial risks. The decision was met with strong disapproval from community members who attended the meeting to advocate for the moratorium.
The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners voted 13-5 to table a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers and high-density computing operations during their July 28 regular session. The decision came after Commissioner Rick Skillington moved to postpone the vote, citing a lack of research and the risk of legal action, referencing the lawsuit brought against Hawkins County by Exotic Ridge Crypto Company LLC for a similar ban.
Commissioner Scott Franks later clarified that Lawrence County currently lacks zoning ordinances, making a moratorium legally unenforceable under Tennessee state law. He described the resolution as a "political stunt" and emphasized that any attempt to impose a moratorium without zoning could lead to significant legal and financial jeopardy for the county. Franks also noted that while there is vocal opposition to data centers, a larger segment of citizens opposes the implementation of zoning.
Lawrence County Executive David Morgan supported the commission's decision to table the resolution, stating that while he opposes large-scale data centers, he must act wisely and on the advice of legal counsel to avoid putting the county in legal jeopardy. Morgan expressed support for a voluntary and temporary pause on data center development to allow for comprehensive study by experts, but not a mandatory moratorium that lacks enforceability and could lead to legal issues. He also voiced a desire to protect private property rights and avoid blanket zoning in the county.