Oldham County data center moratorium remains in place

OLDHAM COUNTY, Ky. (WAVE) - Oldham County leaders are working to establish regulations for future data center developments, though disagreements remain on how to proceed following a tense Fiscal Court hearing.

The Oldham County Planning Commission had recommended guidelines including requirements for specific cooling equipment, noise reduction technology, and generator power. Additionally, the guidelines proposed keeping data center developments at least 1,000 feet away from neighboring properties and 1,500 feet from schools.

Neighbors opposing data center developments raised concerns regarding energy consumption, environmental impact, and noise levels. However, Oldham County Judge-Executive David Voegele expressed concern that the proposed guidelines might deter developers entirely from investing in the county.

During the meeting, a council member proposed establishing a permanent moratorium on data centers, suggesting the county err on the side of caution. Voegele urged caution regarding a permanent ban, stating it could cover too much ground that the county might later have to walk back.

Ultimately, the county magistrate motioned to deny the proposed regulations in order to bring in an expert to help draft more specific guidelines. The decision keeps the county’s existing data center moratorium in place for the time being.