Data centers have become an increasingly common topic for communities across Tennessee, but what exactly are they—and what should local governments know when one is proposed in their area?
In Episode 5 of Season 5 of In Touch with Tennessee, CTAS Manager of Technical Consultants Gabe Looney and CTAS Environmental Management Consultant Tom Brashear join Josh Suddath of the UT Center for Local Planning for a practical discussion about data centers and their potential impacts on communities.
The episode, “What Data Centers Really Are,” begins with the basics of what data centers are and why their development has accelerated in recent years. The conversation also looks at lessons learned from earlier crypto mining operations and some of the concerns communities may encounter beyond demands on utilities.
The discussion covers the role local governments can play when considering data center development, including zoning, practical land-use guardrails and the importance of evaluating both potential benefits and costs. The episode also explores how model policies can help communities prepare before a proposal arrives.
Listen to “What Data Centers Really Are” on In Touch with Tennessee to learn more about the issues surrounding data center development and the considerations local officials may want to keep in mind.