Why a Kentucky county froze data center plans except for one project
Boyd County, Kentucky, officials have approved a six-month moratorium on new data center developments following public opposition and environmental concerns. However, a data center project by TeraWulf in the EastPark industrial complex is exempt from this pause, sparking further criticism from residents.
Boyd County, Kentucky, officials have approved a six-month moratorium on new data center construction and development following a packed town hall where residents voiced significant concerns about these facilities impacting their communities and infrastructure, specifically mentioning water resources. The moratorium, passed by the Boyd County fiscal court, temporarily halts new data center projects in the county.
However, a major point of contention arose because the moratorium explicitly excludes one project: a data center being built by TeraWulf. This facility, announced in May and slated for the EastPark industrial complex about 12 miles from Ashland, will proceed. Boyd County Judge-Executive Eric Chaney explained that the exemption is due to the industrial park's ownership spanning multiple counties, including Elliott, Lawrence, and Carter counties, making it difficult for Boyd County to unilaterally impose restrictions.
Despite the county officials' explanation, residents at Thursday's meeting expressed feelings of being "left in the dark" regarding the TeraWulf project and questioned why it was not included in the pause. Public opposition remains active, particularly concerning the fairness and scope of the moratorium.