Beshear to sign executive order targeting data center oversight in Kentucky

2 hours ago

ABC 36 Digital Staff,

Election 2026 South Carolina Democrats — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky speaks to attendees at the South Carolina Democratic Party's Blue Palmetto Dinner on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Columbia S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

(ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Gov. Andy Beshear is set to sign an executive order establishing new expectations for companies seeking to develop data centers in Kentucky, saying the move is intended to protect communities as demand for large-scale computing facilities continues to grow.

“In response to the surging demand for data centers and energy resources across our country, I’m announcing an executive order that I’m signing to protect against any harmful impacts from potential data centers,” Beshear said.

Beshear detailed during a Team Kentucky meeting on Thursday the executive order creates a framework to help ensure data center companies looking to do business in Kentucky:

Invest responsibly
Operate transparently
Work in partnership with Kentucky residents and local communities

Beshear said the order is designed to balance economic development with the need to safeguard communities from potential impacts associated with rapidly expanding data center projects, including increased energy demand.