Fiscal Court gives final approval to data center regulations
The Warren County Fiscal Court unanimously approved final regulations for data centers, which include land ordinances for setbacks, requirements for closed-loop water systems, and decommissioning plans. The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners also approved these regulations but rejected a proposed six-month moratorium on data center development. Community members raised concerns about noise and air pollution during public hearings.
The Warren County Fiscal Court unanimously approved new regulations for data centers, following similar approval by the Bowling Green Board of Commissioners. These comprehensive regulations mandate a 1,500-foot buffer from residential areas and a 500-foot setback from property lines for data center facilities. Additionally, the new rules require data centers to implement closed-loop water systems and submit mandatory decommissioning plans to ensure proper removal if a facility is abandoned.
Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman emphasized that these stringent requirements, particularly for property acquisition and public hearings, are designed to significantly limit data center development, with only one site in Bowling Green currently meeting the standards. While the Bowling Green Board of Commissioners adopted the regulations, they opted not to approve a proposed six-month moratorium on data center zoning and construction, a decision Gorman suggested was possible due to existing comprehensive planning.
Public feedback played a role in shaping the regulations, with community members at a Knicely Conference Center meeting expressing concerns. Noise pollution was a significant issue, though current regulations address it primarily through land ordinances. Resident Janice Chumbler voiced concerns about potential health risks from air pollution, drawing parallels to her past experiences near a uranium enrichment plant in Paducah, Kentucky, and advocating for community health improvements over industrial development.