BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) - The Bristol, Tennessee City Council voted unanimously on a first reading to pass an ordinance placing a two-year moratorium on the establishment of data centers Tuesday evening.

"It will give us some time to research and make sure that our zoning regulations account for all the things data centers bring with them and ensures that we have locations in the city that make the most sense for them," City Manager Kelly Bourgeois said.

The ordinance was introduced following backlash against data centers and Bitcoin mining in several localities across the region.

Bourgeois said that Bristol, Tenn. had not received any public comment against data centers, but that they'd like to get ahead of any hypothetical plans to establish them and the backlash that may come with it.

See Full Page