Concern over Data Centers Raised at County Commission
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Concern over Data Centers
Raised at County Commission
By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]
At last Monday’s Scott County Commission meeting, Cumberland Clear’s Allison Cowen urged local officials to closely examine the growing controversy surrounding data centers, an issue that has sparked debate in communities across Tennessee and around the nation.
While the commission took no immediate action, Cowen pointed to several Tennessee facilities already drawing public scrutiny, including debates in Washington County. Earlier this year, the Washington County Commission approved a roughly one-year moratorium on new data centers while officials review regulations and safeguards. The resolution noted that data mining centers “require extraordinary levels of electrical power, often equivalent to the consumption of thousands of homes,” potentially straining local utilities and increasing costs for residents.
Cowen requested Scott County adopt a similar pause, arguing it would give local leaders time to study infrastructure demands, zoning concerns, and long-term impacts before approving future projects.
“It would be irresponsible to not protect our community,” Cowen told Commissioners.
Much of the controversy surrounding data centers revolves around their enormous demand for electricity and water. Rapid expansion tied to growing artificial intelligence (AI) usage has intensified those concerns nationwide. In Georgia, a state which Cowen referenced, residents recently complained of low water pressure before officials discovered a massive data center project had used nearly 30 million gallons of water through improperly monitored connections. In Utah, which was also cited, along with Nevada, opposition has grown over the proposed “Stratos” project, a massive AI-focused data center development, locals say, could strain power grids and water supplies in a region that is already drought-prone.
Supporters argue data centers bring tax revenue and construction jobs, but opponents say communities must weigh those benefits against rising utility demands, costs offset to local residents, environmental concerns, and the strain on local infrastructure.
Despite the Commission not yet taking action, Cowen’s request brings a national issue to Scott County’s doorstep.
