At the monthly Cumberland County Commission meeting, with all commissioners present except Commissioner Sherrill, the board took two significant unanimous votes concerning data center development.

First, the Commission adopted Resolution 06-2026-30, formally approving the County Powers Act under Tennessee Code Annotated 5-1-118. This step grants the county additional legal authority to address local issues and serves as a critical prerequisite for implementing certain regulatory measures, including the data center moratorium that followed.

The adoption itself does not impose new rules but equips the county with a stronger framework as it studies the potential effects of large-scale data centers on infrastructure, utilities, land use, and community growth.

Immediately afterward, the Commission passed Resolution 06-2026-31, imposing a two-year temporary moratorium on the construction, development, establishment, or operation of data centers in Cumberland County.

The moratorium aims to protect public health, safety, and welfare by allowing county officials, planners, utility providers, and stakeholders time to thoroughly evaluate impacts on electrical infrastructure, water resources, transportation, emergency services, and overall quality of life.

This pause preserves the current situation while the county develops informed, long-term policies. Both resolutions passed unanimously and reflect a measured approach similar to that being taken by other communities across Tennessee.