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Public commenters urge moratorium on data‑center approvals and warn of zoning and infrastructure risks
Summary
In public comment, several residents urged Warren County to pause data‑center approvals while the county updates ordinances; speakers cited large water and power needs, potential NDAs during site negotiations and limited county resources to litigate or enforce agreements.
During public comment, multiple speakers raised concerns about proposed data centers and urged the county to slow approvals until local zoning, infrastructure and financial implications are fully understood.
A public commenter summarized lessons from other jurisdictions and argued the county should require clearer protections for residents and not sign broad non‑disclosure agreements during site investigations. The commenter recommended a temporary moratorium while ordinances are revised, saying developers bring expensive law firms and the county lacks the resources for prolonged litigation.
Commissioners and staff discussed the broader policy context, including an earlier state‑level debate and different approaches taken by other states (some of which have enacted temporary moratoriums). Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and noted that state law and utility regulation affect local options; no immediate moratorium was adopted at the meeting.
The public comment drew sustained discussion about water and power demands, possible tax exemptions, and whether inducements for large projects deliver net benefits to small counties.
The county did not make a policy change at this meeting; commissioners asked staff to note the comments and monitor developments at the state and regional levels.
