The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Bannock County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Bannock County pauses most data-center permit applications in unincorporated areas for 180 days, delaying new projects. The pause does not cover incorporated cities or permits already issued and does not ban operations.
Rating from Idaho statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Bannock County.
Specific to Bannock County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasProhibits Bannock County from accepting, processing, or approving data-center permit applications in unincorporated areas for 180 days while the county develops permanent rules.Bannock County Ordinance No. 2026-02 (2026)
What this means
The measure pauses the acceptance and processing of most data-center permit applications in unincorporated Bannock County for 180 days, making new projects there substantially harder to start during that period. It does not cover incorporated cities or permits already issued, and the document does not impose a general operating ban.
Timing
- Ends
- Jan 26, 2027
The 180-day moratorium on accepting, processing, and approving data-center permit applications was adopted on 2026-07-30 and expires on 2027-01-26. It does not apply to permits already issued or related applications already requested from, filed with, or issued by the Board.
People behind it
- Bannock County Board of Commissioners
Enacted and imposed the 180-day emergency moratorium on data-center permit applications.
- Jeff Hough
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners who signed the moratorium ordinance.
- Ernie Moser
Commissioner who signed the moratorium ordinance.
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- Ken Bullock
Commissioner who signed the moratorium ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
A 180-day moratorium prohibits Bannock County from receiving, processing, or approving applications for data centers. It took effect on July 30, 2026, and runs through January 26, 2027.
The moratorium applies only to data center projects in unincorporated Bannock County; it does not apply within incorporated municipalities, including the City of Pocatello.
The moratorium does not apply to permits already issued or to permits for which a related application was requested from, filed with, or issued by the Board. The County may still exercise otherwise authorized control over those permits or construction.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The moratorium does not apply to data-center permits already issued or to permits for which a related application has been requested from, filed with, or issued by the Board. However, Bannock County retains any other authority it has over those permits or construction.
Sources
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