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.
Jefferson County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Jefferson County has enacted a resolution imposing a moratorium on covered data centers, substantially limiting construction or expansion; its duration and effect on existing facilities are unspecified.
Rating from Kansas statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Jefferson County.
Specific to Jefferson County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily pauses data center projects, including those supporting artificial intelligence, while the county develops updated planning and zoning rules.Jefferson County Resolution 2026-010
What this means
The measure would put data centers under a county moratorium, creating a substantial barrier to building or expanding them (“included data centers”). The source does not state how long the moratorium would last or whether it would affect existing operations, so the impact cannot be rated as an outright ban.
Timing
The minutes state that Resolution 2026-010 establishes a moratorium covering commercial wind and solar projects, cryptocurrency mining, battery energy storage facilities, and data centers. The provided sources do not state an expiration date or ending condition.
People behind it
- Stephan Metzger
Prepared the consolidated moratorium resolution covering commercial wind and solar projects, cryptocurrency mining, battery energy storage facilities, and data centers.
- Doug Walbridge
Moved to approve Resolution 2026-010.
- Richard Malm
Seconded the motion to approve Resolution 2026-010.
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- Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
Requested additions to the moratorium and approved Resolution 2026-010.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Resolution 2026-010 establishes a moratorium covering data centers, along with commercial wind and solar projects, cryptocurrency mining, and battery energy storage facilities, pending updates to the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. The minutes do not specify the moratorium’s duration or detailed operating restrictions.
Sources
expired · County measureProhibits data center development, including cryptocurrency mining, in Jefferson County for up to 12 months or until the county adopts regulations, whichever comes first.Jefferson County Resolution 2023-10
What this means
The measure would temporarily prohibit building, installing, or operating data-center-related structures and facilities in Jefferson County for up to 12 months, or until new regulations are adopted whichever comes first. That would create a major barrier to new projects and operations during the moratorium.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months from and after passage of the Resolution, or when the Board of County Commissioners adopts the referenced regulations, whichever occurs first
People behind it
- Doug Walbridge
Moved for approval of Resolution 2023-010, which enacted the 12-month prohibition.
- David Christy
Seconded the motion to approve Resolution 2023-010.
- Board of County Commissioners
Adopted the resolution and directed the Jefferson County Community Development Department to draft and submit related regulations.
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- Jefferson County Community Development Department
Was directed to draft and submit regulations addressing data center development and related uses.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A 12-month moratorium prohibits the building, construction, operation, or installation—wholly or partly—of structures, facilities, commercial power operations, fixtures, or other land uses related to data center development, including commercial cryptocurrency mining. The prohibition ends earlier if the County adopts applicable regulations.
Sources
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