A forum dedicated to the contentious topic drew a packed hall and plenty of opposition last week. The community conversation comes amid a moratorium on data center applications or development that lasts through October.
Lexington's experience with the issue mirrors many other communities across the state, which are grappling with a host of questions surrounding the controversial projects.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has sounded skeptical of the developments, saying she favors "very tight controls." Gov. Andy Beshear has sought to strike balance, vowing to stop any data center that could pass along costs to ratepayers while urging Kentuckians to weigh the benefits of tax revenue the centers could produce.
CivicLex's Aaron Mudd says Lexingtonians have the option of voicing their thoughts and concerns through an online portal.
"Right now the city is asking residents to weigh in through an online engagement process. You can share your thoughts online at engage.lexingtonky.gov, and this is really an opportunity for people to help shape the rules before council decides what future data center development should look like in Lexington," he says.
This year, the General Assembly failed to pass a bill that would have formally shielded ratepayers from increases in energy costs stemming from data centers.