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.
Carter County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Carter County has an enacted one-year pause on new AI data centers and cryptocurrency-mining facilities and their expansions while their effects are studied. The description’s “if enacted” wording conflicts with that status; the pause is temporary, not a permanent ban.
Rating from Tennessee statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Carter County.
Specific to Carter County only.
current law · County measureAdopts a one-year moratorium on “all AI Data Centers and Crypto Mining Centers”, approved by the Carter County Board of Commissioners on August 17, 2026, to investigate their impacts on the county’s environment and infrastructure.Carter County Commission moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency-mining facilities (August 17, 2026)
What this means
If enacted, the one-year pause on AI data centers and crypto mining centers would prevent new projects and expansions in those categories while the county studies their effects. That is a major temporary barrier, though it is not a permanent ban; the minutes record the commission’s one-year moratorium motion.
Timing
- Ends
- one year after adoption
The measure establishes a one-year moratorium on all AI data centers and crypto mining centers. No extension condition or separate surviving provision is stated.
People behind it
- Keith Range
Moved to impose a one-year moratorium on AI data centers and crypto mining centers.
- Angie Manning
Seconded the motion to impose a one-year moratorium on AI data centers and crypto mining centers.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A one-year moratorium bans all AI data centers and crypto mining centers while the county investigates their environmental and infrastructure impacts. one-year Moratorium on all AI Data Centers and Crypto Mining Centers
Sources
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