London City Council approves 2-year data center moratorium, EMS agreement

The London City Council in Laurel County, Kentucky, has enacted a two-year moratorium on new data center developments within the city limits. During its Monday night meeting, the council approved Ordinance 2026-16, which prohibits the establishment of new data centers through September 30, 2028. The ordinance also grants the London Planning Commission the authority to extend the moratorium for an additional year if deemed necessary.

City leaders stated that the purpose of the moratorium is to provide officials with ample time to research and understand the broader impacts that data centers have had on communities across Kentucky and the nation. This study will focus on potential effects on local infrastructure and resources. The measure passed with a vote of 5-1, with Councilman Bruner casting the sole dissenting vote.

In addition to the data center decision, the council also unanimously approved Resolution 2026-23. This resolution authorizes Mayor Tracy Handley to execute an interlocal agreement with Ambulance Incorporated of Laurel County, which involves the city surrendering its Certificate of Need for emergency medical services. Mayor Handley defended the agreement, citing legal issues with the city's current EMS process and describing it as "illegal" in its present form. Under the new agreement, Ambulance Incorporated will become the primary responder for calls to medical facilities, while the London Fire Department will continue to be automatically dispatched to major medical emergencies.