Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – The City of Knoxville is proposing a one-year pause on the construction of new major data centers while leaders explore long-term regulations.
In a letter released Monday, Mayor Indya Kincannon said she has asked Knoxville-Knox County Planning staff to research best practices and develop recommendations for a potential ordinance. The goal is to establish guidelines for where data centers can be built and how they operate within the city.
City leaders say the pause would give officials time to address concerns about the potential impact of large data centers on nearby neighborhoods and the broader community, including issues like noise and resource use.
Kincannon also suggested that Knoxville and Knox County coordinate their efforts to create a consistent approach to regulating data centers across the region.
The proposal comes as interest in data centers continues to grow nationwide, often sparking debate over their environmental and community impact.
View the document here: 1048580894-Knoxville-mayor-asks-for-regulations-on-data-centers (2)
