Board imposes 180‑day moratorium on data centers and creates citizen study group

Walker County commissioners approved Resolution R-055-26 establishing a temporary 180-day moratorium on data-center development and followed with Resolution R-056-26 to form a citizen study group to evaluate permitting, zoning and potential impacts.

The public hearing drew large turnout; opponents cited groundwater/livelihood risks, noise and the potential use of eminent domain to assemble sites. "I think you need to ban them," said Jonathan Stapleton, arguing that groundwater, infrasound and other local impacts outweigh tax benefits. Others asked who had contacted the county and pushed for transparency in identifying potential sites — some commenters noted the Barwick property and Chickamauga Creek as rumored locations.

Supporters of careful study said the pause allows the county time to adopt ordinance language and involve citizens in setting conditions. Commissioners said each commissioner would select community representatives for the study group, with Stephanie Watkins (EDA director) and the planning director named to lead the process. The study group will meet in public and report back before the moratorium expires.