Several counties and towns across the United States are taking action against large renewable energy, data center, and battery storage projects as local concerns over land use, safety, and environmental impacts continue to grow.
Berkeley County Debates Solar Moratorium
In Berkeley County, officials are considering lifting a solar farm moratorium that has been in place since 2023.
Energy company RWE wants to rezone land for a utility-scale solar project expected to generate 198 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 37,000 homes.
County leaders said rising electricity costs and concerns from Santee Cooper about future power shortages are driving the discussion.
However, many residents strongly oppose large-scale solar farms. Public hearings became heated, with officials warning attendees that sheriff’s deputies could be called if disruptions continued.
Texas County Targets Data Centers
Officials in Hill County voted to temporarily stop approvals for new data centers for one year while studying their long-term impacts.
County attorneys reportedly warned leaders the move could trigger lawsuits because Texas traditionally limits local restrictions on industrial development and energy use.
Hill County has become one of the first counties in Texas to take major action against data center expansion.
New Jersey Town Reverses Position
In Andover, local officials reversed support for a proposed data center project after intense community backlash.
Mayor Thomas Walsh Jr. announced the town would block future data center developments and repeal a land-use rule that previously allowed them.
Residents raised concerns about the project’s close proximity to homes despite plans to build the facility on a former airport property.
Indiana City Adds New Restrictions
Leaders in Valparaiso are also tightening rules for data centers.
A proposed ordinance would limit projects to industrial areas and require special permits and environmental reviews. Officials are also considering restrictions related to noise and vibration.
Nearby communities in Porter County have already faced major public opposition to similar developments.
Washington City Moves Against Battery Storage
In Snoqualmie, city leaders are moving forward with a moratorium on battery energy storage systems, also known as BESS projects.
The debate centers around a proposed battery storage facility by Jupiter Power located just outside city limits.
While residents voiced safety concerns, Puget Sound Energy defended the project, saying battery storage systems can operate safely under county regulations.
Growing National Debate
The disputes highlight a growing nationwide debate over balancing energy demand, renewable energy expansion, and community concerns.
As demand for electricity and technology infrastructure rises, local governments across the country are increasingly being forced to decide how much industrial development their communities are willing to accept.
