Marshall County approves permanent ban on data centers

unsplash.com County leaders have moved to block new data centers and tighten limits on large energy projects. Commissioners approved a permanent ban on data centers Monday after a yearlong pause on large-scale development. They also approved new rules for battery energy storage systems, including a 1,320-foot setback from homes and property lines. They are also advancing limits on large solar farms, including a proposal to cap solar panel coverage at five acres. That proposal still needs a final vote. Leaders say the changes respond to concerns that earlier rules did not adequately control the size of newer projects.