Oldham County Fiscal Court approves 150-day moratorium on data center regulations

On June 3, 2025, the Oldham County Fiscal Court convened to discuss a proposed moratorium on data centers, a topic that has sparked significant community interest and concern. The meeting highlighted the need for comprehensive regulations to address the unique challenges posed by data centers, which are not currently covered by existing zoning laws.

The moratorium, lasting 150 days, aims to provide the planning commission and staff time to develop appropriate regulations. Community members expressed gratitude for the court's unanimous support of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Concerns were raised about existing applications for data centers, with some speakers urging the court to eliminate exemptions that would allow these projects to proceed without adequate oversight.

One speaker, Barry Laws, pointed out that the current zoning regulations may not sufficiently address the potential impacts of data centers, such as noise, energy consumption, and environmental effects. He urged the court to adopt a clear moratorium that applies to all data center applications, both current and future, to ensure that the community's interests are safeguarded.

Another resident, Alan Hayes, highlighted Oldham County's strategic advantages, including access to high-capacity electric infrastructure and water resources. He stressed the importance of leveraging these assets responsibly, advocating for a conditional use permit process that would allow the county to impose necessary regulations on data centers. Hayes proposed the idea of connecting data centers to a county-operated thermal utility district, which could enhance energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution.

Community members also voiced concerns about the potential for tech firms to evade local taxes, urging the court to ensure that any future data center developments would provide tangible financial benefits to the county. The sentiment among residents was clear: they want to ensure that any development aligns with the community's long-term interests rather than short-term gains.

In conclusion, the Oldham County Fiscal Court's discussions on the moratorium reflect a broader commitment to responsible development and community engagement. As the planning commission works to establish regulations, the court's actions will be closely monitored by residents who are eager to see their concerns addressed. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the moratorium and the potential for a special meeting to expedite its passage without exemptions.