Planning Commission delays decision on data center ordinance
The Murray Planning Commission delayed its decision on a proposed ordinance to regulate future data centers following a public hearing where residents expressed significant concerns. Citizens voiced strong opposition to data centers in general, citing issues with electricity and water use, noise, and environmental impacts, and urged the commission to consider a moratorium.
The Murray Planning Commission voted 6-1 to continue working on a proposed ordinance regulating data centers, opting not to immediately forward the draft to the Murray City Council. This decision came after a lengthy public hearing where numerous residents packed the council chambers to voice concerns. The proposed ordinance is not tied to any specific data center project but aims to establish regulations for future applications regarding location, construction, and operation within Murray city limits.
During the hearing, residents, including Sue Hood, expressed frustration over the rapid process and their lack of expertise on data centers, conveying a general fear of their impact on Murray. Several speakers urged officials to implement a moratorium on data center development, though Planning Commission Attorney David Perlow clarified that the commission lacks the authority to do so.
Key concerns raised by residents, such as Keith York, centered on infrastructure, particularly electricity and water consumption, suggesting that data centers should provide their own resources. Others, including Benjamin Wallace Childs and Christopher West, highlighted environmental impacts, noise, emissions, and the need for stricter protections for wetlands and groundwater. Raegan Settle, a public policy student, critiqued the draft ordinance for lacking limits on facility size, water, and energy use, arguing its intent facilitates rather than restricts data centers, and identified "10 key vulnerabilities." Concerns were also raised about farmland, eminent domain, decommissioning, and long-term environmental liabilities.
Commissioners are scheduled for a special meeting on June 23 to review comments and prepare a revised document, with another public hearing anticipated at a later date.