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.
Rowan County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Rowan County has enacted a temporary pause on construction of large data centers, creating delays for new projects; it does not expressly halt existing centers, and the pause’s duration is unclear.
Rating from Kentucky statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Rowan County.
Specific to Rowan County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily prohibits construction of large-scale data centers in Rowan County until local safeguards and regulations are established.Rowan County Fiscal Court Resolution Establishing a Two-Year Moratorium on Large-Scale Data Center Development (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause construction of large-scale data centers in Rowan County until local safeguards are established, creating a major barrier and uncertain delays for new projects. It does not specify how long the pause lasts and does not expressly stop existing centers from operating. The temporary construction moratorium is therefore a severe restriction, but not a permanent ban.
Timing
The resolution imposes a temporary moratorium on construction of large-scale data centers, but it does not state an expiration date, duration, or other ending condition.
People behind it
- Charlie Winkleman
Introduced or seconded multiple Fiscal Court motions, including measures concerning rural road funding, ordinances, contracts, grants, financial approvals, and tax rates.
- Ray White
Introduced or seconded multiple Fiscal Court motions, including measures concerning rural road funding, grants, the amphitheater project, financial approvals, and tax rates.
- Darrell Glover
Introduced or seconded multiple Fiscal Court motions, including ordinances, tax rates, appointments, facility matters, and the data-center moratorium.
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- Rob Hamm
Introduced or seconded multiple Fiscal Court motions, including budgetary measures, contracts, payments, tax rates, and the data-center moratorium.
- Harry Clark
Introduced or seconded motions concerning personnel appointments, building inspections, hiring, and other Fiscal Court actions; designated as the authorized official for the amphitheater grant application.
- Rowan County Fiscal Court
Adopted, approved, enacted, and administered the measures recorded in the meeting minutes.
- Rowan County Treasurer
Responsible for administering authorized payments, budget transfers, and presentation of the county’s financial statements.
- Kentucky Office of Homeland Security
Identified as the agency that would administer the Rowan County Sheriff’s Homeland Security Grant Program project.
- Rowan County Sheriff
Identified as the party seeking Homeland Security Grant Program funding for the project.
- Appalachian Regional Commission
Identified as the agency receiving the county’s funding application for the Rowan County Amphitheater Project.
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Rural and Municipal Aid
Provided the Rural Secondary Program recommendations accepted by the Fiscal Court for KY 1167 Oak Grove Road.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A temporary moratorium prohibits construction of large-scale data centers in Rowan County until appropriate local safeguards and regulations are established. The measure does not specify an end date or exceptions.
Sources
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