No Data Centers In Monroe County.
A massive data center project is being considered outside Sweetwater, TN. When they build, they go FAST.
We need the County Commission to vote for a 1 year pause on all data center projects while we get the facts.
⚠️ NEXT COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, June 23rd • 5:00 PM
Monroe County Courthouse
Madisonville, TN
We need everyone there. Fill out the form at the Clerk's office for 5 minutes speaking time.
What's Happening?
The Facts
Sweetwater Utilities Board recently received an inquiry about mass electrical grid capacity at an address on undeveloped farmland near the county line.
City officials believe a 100+ acre data center complex is being considered at this location.
The Sweetwater Planning Commission is rushing to pass a new ordinance that blocks data centers within city limits, but Monroe County is completely unprotected.
Read how data centers use non-disclosure agreements to file paperwork in secret
Currently, no site plans or permit have been announced, and we need to act NOW, before the process is official.
It Won't Be Pretty
- 💰Higher electrical bills
- 💼Long term jobs created: few/none
- 🔊24/7 noise from industrial fans
- 💧Massive water usage affecting local wells and agriculture
- 📉Property values drop. Your home is worth less.
What Needs To Be Done RIGHT NOW
The Window Is Closing
Once a company submits detailed plans to the county, it becomes much harder to stop the project.
We need a 1 year pause to consider the impacts.
What Happens If We Wait
If plans are submitted, the company can use eminent domain to seize farmland and sue the county into approving the project. It has happened all over the country, and it can happen here.
Who Can Protect Us
The County Commission decides and can pass this with a simple majority vote. Our sources say DJ Seiler is the only one who has expressed interest in slowing things down.
Unrestricted Zoning in Monroe County
We Believe in Freedom
We don't want government zoning rules controlling what people build on their own land. That's our principle.
But Data Centers Are Different
An industrial warehouse full of computers is bad for neighbors and will change our rural way of life for the next 100 years.
A Pause Makes Sense
Data centers should be a reasonable distance from homes and farms. We need time to investigate how landowners want to deal with this issue.
We're Not Anti-Development
- •We support ALL local businesses and industries that create real jobs for real people.
- •Data centers take valuable farmland and give us nothing in return except higher utility bills, noise, and pollution.
- •We believe our Commissioners are the right people for the job and can fix this problem in a way that does not change property rights for normal folks who live in this county.
Latest Updates
Sweetwater Planning Board Meeting
June 18th, 5pm at City Hall
City Hall already supports a ban, but are accepting public comments if you fill out their form.
Monroe County Planning Commission Meeting
June 23rd, 5pm at the County Courthouse in Madisonville
Currently, no commissioners are publicly in favor of a one year ban on data center construction.
Common Questions
What does the data center do?
It stores and processes data for companies online. It needs massive amounts of electricity, water, and cooling systems running 24/7.
Will it bring jobs?
Very few. A 100-acre center will create less than ten full-time jobs. The construction brings temporary work, but it's not worth the permanent damage to our community.
Can we stop it?
Yes! The County Commission decides on new projects. If enough residents speak up at meetings, they'll listen.
When is the decision?
The Commission meets every month in Madisonville and can vote on a moratorium any time. We need you there to show them that people care about this issue.