Citizen Portal
Sign In

Commission discusses researching model regulations for data centers, Bitcoin mining and similar large energy users

5093652 · June 27, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Commissioners said they will research and consult regional planning offices about model regulations for data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations; no formal policy or ordinance was proposed or adopted at the meeting.

Near the end of the June 26 meeting, commissioners raised the topic of data centers and Bitcoin mining and agreed to research model regulations.

Chair and Commissioner Josh Rogers said they had discussed looking at regulations for data centers and cryptocurrency mining and that they planned to consult the regional development district and city planning departments for model language. “I've spoken to the development district, and they they don't have any experience with it so far. But I've got a planning meeting with the planning local planning chapter in Chattanooga, Monday, and I'm hoping to ask, like, the city of Chattanooga ... so that we could look at some model regulations for stuff like that because it needs to be addressed,” one commissioner said.

No motion was made, and no ordinance or formal referral was adopted at the hearing. Commissioners described the next step as staff and commissioners researching examples and convening conversations with neighboring jurisdictions and planning organizations.