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.
Cocke County
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Tennessee rules can limit how much utilities and municipalities absorb data-center-specific infrastructure costs, while allowing certain cost allocations and independent power. Qualifying large projects that meet investment and job requirements can receive equipment tax breaks and a reduced electricity tax.
Rating and summary from Tennessee statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Cocke County.
Specific to Cocke County only.
current law · County measureNewport Plain Talk reports that the Cocke County Legislative Body passed a planning-commission-recommended moratorium restricting data centers, lithium battery storage facilities and data processing facilities.Cocke County Legislative Body lithium-battery-storage moratorium resolution (2026)
Timing
Reported as a one-year moratorium for ordinance review. Exact start and expiration dates, exceptions, extensions and early termination provisions are unverified; no calendar sunset is inferred.
People behind it
- John Owings
County attorney; local reporting attributes the recommendation to adopt the broader planning-commission moratorium to him: Following the recommendation of County Attorney John Owings.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Reported comprehensive moratorium restricts facilities such as data centers, lithium battery storage facilities and data processing facilities. Exact permit restrictions, thresholds, exemptions and treatment of existing facilities are not established by the available report.
Sources
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