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Morgan Township trustees adopt 12‑month moratorium on data centers and data‑mining
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved a 12‑month moratorium on establishing or converting buildings into data centers or data‑mining operations to give township staff and the zoning commission time to study potential impacts to water, power, environment and community planning.
Morgan Township trustees voted unanimously to impose a 12‑month temporary moratorium on establishing or converting buildings into data centers or data‑mining operations, saying the pause will allow township staff and the zoning commission to evaluate infrastructure, environmental and public‑safety impacts.
The trustees adopted a resolution that pauses development, conversion, or change of use to allow time to review water and electric needs, environmental effects, critical infrastructure implications and relevant state and federal codes. The resolution authorizes the township administration and zoning commission to investigate impacts on township resources, property values, noise and pollution and to review applicable state statutes and local resolutions. The moratorium period in the motion is 12 months from the resolution’s effective date.
Trustees debated whether to wait for model language from the Ohio Township Association and Butler County or to adopt a local temporary restriction. Trustee discussion included observations that the Ohio Township Association had not yet produced model guidance, some Ohio townships have already adopted local moratoria, and that local action would be amendable should state guidance later be adopted. After discussion, a trustee moved the resolution and Mr. Day seconded; Mr. Updyke, Mr. Day and Mr. Brooker recorded affirmative votes and the motion passed unanimously.
Administration staff were directed to prepare a clean, typed copy of the adopted resolution for the township record and posting. The moratorium will be in effect for the stated 12‑month term measured from the resolution’s effective date; trustees noted the measure can be amended or rescinded later if statewide guidance becomes available.
Background and next steps: trustees said they were concerned about potential impacts on the township’s water and power systems and the broader community planning implications of large energy‑intensive facilities. The zoning administrator and township staff will review applicable Ohio statutes and county rules and report back to the trustees and zoning commission on findings and recommended regulations during the moratorium period.
