Article

Simpson County officials are proposing Ordinance 440.70 to regulate the placement of data centers and large energy systems, requiring them to be located in heavy industrial zones and obtain conditional use permits. The ordinance aims to protect residents and the environment amid growing interest in data centers, with existing facilities given 180 days to comply and potential fines of up to $10,000 per day for violations. This proposal comes in response to significant local opposition to a planned data center by TenKey Landco, LLC, over concerns regarding energy consumption and environmental impacts.