Local community voices concerns about data centers
Local governments in Warren County and Bowling Green, Kentucky, hosted an informational event for residents about recently approved data center regulations. The event aimed to address public concerns, but some attendees felt their input was not fully heard. Discussions included potential moratoriums and the adjustment of city-county ordinances.
The Warren County and Bowling Green local governments recently hosted an informational event titled “Strong Standards Proactive Approach” at the Knicely Conference Center. The event aimed to inform the public about new data center regulations approved by the Board of Commissioners the previous week and address citizen concerns. Experts from Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, Warren County Water District, City County Planning Commission, Warren Rural Electric Co-op Corporation, and Atmos Energy were present to answer questions on topics like environmental requirements and utility plans.
While officials like Commissioner Carlos Bailey and City Commissioner Sue Parrigin expressed hope that the event would alleviate fears and gather input for potential ordinance adjustments, some residents, including 22-year Bowling Green resident Eleanor Bower, felt their concerns were not adequately heard. Ben Peterson, executive director for the City County Planning Commission, acknowledged that a common public sentiment was outright rejection of data centers, which is not legislatively feasible under current zoning laws.
SOKY Indivisible, a local advocacy group, surveyed attendees outside the event, focusing on opinions regarding a potential six-month moratorium on data centers and other community concerns. Group member Cathy Severns noted that the event lacked the public input mechanisms of a traditional public hearing or town hall. Officials like Bailey expressed interest in future public forums to allow more direct citizen input, acknowledging the informational event was only a first step.