JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Commission passed a resolution Thursday night that effectively implements a one-year moratorium on new data centers, including bitcoin mines.

The moratorium applies to any land use applications and building permits for new construction in the I-2 (heavy industrial) zoning district. A text amendment was passed afterward that limits data centers to the I-2 district.

City leaders said the moratorium will give the city time to study the environment, health, and other impacts of such developments and consider what restrictions can be applied.

After a lengthy public comment period, both the moratorium resolution and the text amendment passed unanimously.

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