As local governments are weighing guardrails for data centers.

The environmental public interest group, called Kentucky Resources Council has created model ordinances, so local governments have a starting point on how to regulate these large scale developments.

The most local zoning code and ordinances, and never envisioned this new type of energy and water hungry facility that's part warehouse and part computer, part energy production facility.

So data centers don't really fit into the county's current regulatory frameworks.

So for counties with zoning, the model ordinance requires a conditional use permit, in addition to limiting the location of data centers to a new industrial classification for data centers.

So they can't be built next to a school or in the middle of a neighborhood.

And this allows local governments to craft case specific conditions to really integrate a proposed data center into the existing environment, but still protect the rights of neighboring landowners.

So both of our model ordinances, address everything from setting sound frequency limits to mitigate noise impacts, to standards on backup generators, and cooling systems to limit offsite impacts.

The ordinances include, everything from setbacks to, stormwater management, fire safety.

They require utility and infrastructure plan.

So you can collect documentation from all utility providers, showing that the proposed project can be accommodated without impacting, you know, local government or local infrastructure or water resources, or other customers utility bills.

We know that the data center on Campground Road and Louisville originally requested more wastewater flow than the sewer district had the capacity for.

So all of these things should be presented long before a project is approved and cited.

Our model ordinance also requires public notice and hearings.

Access to this data.

So we'll get more transparency around these projects, which is an issue we've seen in some of these cases where companies come in and ask local leaders to sign non-disclosure agreements, and then residents are finding out about these things at the 11th hour.

The Kentucky General Assembly approved tax incentives for data centers last year, a leading voice on energy and the state House Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills has said, quote, the goal is simple welcome new investment, create jobs, and ensure existing customers are not left paying the bill for infrastructure built to serve private development.

End quote.

State lawmakers did not pass a ratepayer protection bill this year.