Simpson County Proposes Ordinance to Regulate Data Centers and Energy Systems
Simpson County officials are proposing Ordinance 440.70 to regulate the placement of data centers and large energy systems, requiring them to be located in heavy industrial zones and obtain conditional use permits. The ordinance aims to protect residents and the environment amid growing interest in data centers, with existing facilities given 180 days to comply and potential fines of up to $10,000 per day for violations. This proposal comes in response to significant local opposition to a planned data center by TenKey Landco, LLC, over concerns regarding energy consumption and environmental impacts.
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Simpson County officials are advancing Ordinance 440.70, which aims to regulate the location of data centers and large on-site energy systems in the county. The ordinance is designed to ensure local oversight and protect residents and the environment amid rising interest in data centers across Kentucky.
It mandates that such facilities be confined to heavy industrial zones (I-2) and obtain a conditional use permit before operations can begin. Existing facilities will have 180 days to comply with the new regulations.
Enforcement measures include fines up to $10,000 per day for violations. The proposal coincides with plans for a data center by TenKey Landco, LLC on a 529-acre site near Franklin, part of which was sold to Kroger for a $391 million distribution center.
Local opposition to the data center project has been significant, with concerns over energy consumption, environmental impact, and transparency from developers. Future projects must meet stringent standards set by the county.
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