Morgan County Passes Bitcoin Mining Moratorium

The Morgan County Commission unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data centers, pausing a proposed 50-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility near Somerville after residents refused easements for utility infrastructure [3].

Regulatory pushback

The commission voted 4-0 to adopt the moratorium in unincorporated Morgan County to study environmental impacts and neighborhood disruption [3]. Commission Chairman Ray Long described the move as a "pause button," noting that while the commission lacks the power to stop the project permanently, it needs time to assess health risks and strategy [3]. The facility, planned by Sovereign Gazelle on 15 acres near Union Road, faces opposition not only locally but at the state level; State Senator Arthur Orr is drafting legislation to potentially require data centers to locate in industrial parks or obtain county permits, though this may not impact the current Somerville proposal [3].

Community resistance and infrastructure

Sovereign Gazelle, incorporated in April, requires rights of way from four property owners to install 75-foot utility poles for 50-megawatt power lines—enough electricity for approximately 42,000 homes [3]. Residents have rejected offers of cash payments, free internet for a year, and natural gas lines, citing concerns about road damage, noise, and potential health risks from high-voltage lines [1][3]. Joe Wheeler EMC, which would supply the power, stated it is "agnostic" but cannot refuse service to a compliant member; however, the utility noted that securing easements is the responsibility of the developer, not the co-op [3].

What to watch

• Environmental assessment: Whether a study finds impacts on endangered species, including three species of bats, which could elevate the issue to federal jurisdiction [3].
• Legislative action: The outcome of Senator Arthur Orr’s efforts to pass a bill granting counties regulatory authority over data center locations [3].
• Alternative routing: Whether Sovereign Gazelle can secure easements on nearby Antioch Road if access to Union Road remains blocked [3].

The moratorium provides a temporary reprieve for residents, but the commission acknowledges that without new zoning authority or federal intervention based on environmental findings, the facility could eventually proceed [3].