LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Loudon County commissioners voted Monday night to impose a six-month moratorium on new data center development as officials evaluate the potential impact of the facilities on local infrastructure and residents.
The moratorium temporarily halts county permits, zoning approvals, building approvals, utility extensions and development agreements related to proposed data centers.
During a public hearing, residents raised a number of concerns about the projects, including noise generated by data center operations, high electricity and water consumption, potential increases in utility costs, and environmental impacts. Some speakers also questioned how the facilities could affect livestock and nearby neighborhoods.
Others supported the commission’s decision to pause new projects and urged officials to gather more information before allowing additional development.
“We’re not going to stop it. All we can do is control it,” resident Bob Johnson told commissioners during public comment. “All I’m asking is, I don’t think that we have enough intelligence yet to make all these comments.”
The resolution approved by commissioners cited concerns over demands on county infrastructure, power consumption, noise issues and questions about the level of job creation data centers would provide compared to their overall impact.
County leaders say the six-month pause will allow time to study the issue and consider possible regulations for any future developments.
Commissioners also retain the authority to extend the moratorium beyond six months if additional review is needed.
