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.
Shelby County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Shelby County has enacted a temporary pause on considering new data center projects through December 31, 2026, while it studies impacts and considers rules; existing centers are exempt.
Rating from Kentucky statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Shelby County.
Specific to Shelby County only.
current law · County measureTemporarily pauses consideration of new data center projects in Shelby County through December 31, 2026, while officials study their impacts and develop possible regulations; existing data centers are exempt.Shelby County Ordinance No. 07-21-07, Series 2026
What this means
The measure would temporarily stop consideration of new data center projects until December 31, 2026, while the county studies their impacts and considers rules (moratorium on new projects). Existing data centers are exempt, but the pause would still significantly delay new development, so the net effect is strongly restrictive (existing data centers).
Timing
- Ends
- Dec 31, 2026
The temporary moratorium remains in effect until December 31, 2026. The Fiscal Court may extend it if additional time is needed to complete the review process.
People behind it
- Dan Ison
Judge Executive identified on the agenda as responsible for introducing the second reading of the ordinance.
- Danny Eades
Magistrate who moved to introduce the ordinance for its second reading.
- Brock Lisby
Magistrate who seconded the motion to introduce the ordinance and seconded the motion to adopt it.
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- Waller
Magistrate who moved to adopt the ordinance.
- Shelby County Fiscal Court
Governing body that approved and adopted the ordinance establishing the temporary data-center moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
The ordinance imposes a temporary moratorium on consideration of new data center projects through December 31, 2026, while the county develops related land-use regulations; existing data centers are exempt, and the Fiscal Court may extend the moratorium if more review time is needed. The moratorium will remain in effect until December 31, 2026
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Existing data centers are exempt from the moratorium, allowing the four already operating in Shelby County to continue operating without being subject to the temporary restriction. Exceptions to the ordinance include existing data centers.
Sources
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