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Residents press Franklin County for environmental, health studies and moratorium on hyperscale data centers
Summary
Residents and technical speakers at the Franklin County Commission meeting urged commissioners to stop approving steps that favor data centers and instead require environmental, water, health and infrastructure studies — some called for a moratorium or ballot vote.
Scores of residents addressed commissioners with a consistent set of demands: require independent environmental and public-health reviews before approving incentive studies or rezoning, open the bidding process for consultants, and consider a public vote or moratorium on hyperscale data centers.
Multiple commenters described local impacts they associate with data centers elsewhere: increased local temperatures near large facilities, noise from backup generators, water withdrawals and concerns about aquifers, and possible effects on livestock and public health. "We need the environmental impact study. We need the water study," said Dr. Jennifer Moody, who identified her academic credentials during public comment.
Speakers with technical experience cited energy-grid warnings. Travis Slayton referenced a Department of Energy advisory about grid load and argued that closed-loop cooling systems and augmented chillers can increase power demand, trading water use for additional electricity needs. Several speakers argued that the county should require developers to pay for environmental reviews and decommissioning bonds and to escrow funds to repair construction damage.
Many asked that the county hold promised town halls outside of working hours so more residents can participate. Others pushed for a ballot if the commission will not defer to direct public votes. Commissioners did not authorize the requested environmental studies during the meeting; they approved a tax-projection contract instead, which speakers said risks prioritizing fiscal projections over environmental protection.
