Following a growing trend of local restrictions on tech infrastructure, the Loudon County Commission voted Monday to pass a six-month moratorium on the approval of new data center projects.

The temporary freeze halts all construction and permitting for large-scale facilities. During this six-month window, the Loudon County Planning and Codes Director is tasked with reviewing current guidelines and providing recommendations for updated county zoning and planning rules specifically tailored to data centers.

The moratorium is strategically targeted rather than a blanket ban. It specifically applies to facilities that project a peak electric demand of 50 megawatts or more within their first three years of operation. The pause does not affect state-owned or operated facilities, nor does it impact data centers primarily used to support broadband internet services or telecommunication networks.

Loudon County’s decision mirrors recent actions taken by neighboring municipalities. Knox County recently enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers while they finalize local regulations. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has announced plans to propose a similar temporary pause later this summer.

The sudden pushback from local governments comes amid rising concerns over the massive energy consumption required to power these facilities. According to a spokesperson for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), data centers accounted for roughly 18% of the TVA’s total industrial power load last year. That number is projected to double by 2030, putting immense pressure on regional grid capacity and forcing local officials to reevaluate how they manage industrial growth.