Bradley County Defends Strict Data Center Zoning Against Global Firm’s Lawsuit

Chattanooga, TN, October 6, 2026 — Bradley County, Tennessee, is preparing to mount a robust defense against a lawsuit initiated by the global firm SDCL. The legal challenge specifically targets the county’s recently enacted, stringent zoning regulations for data centers.

The county intends to secure specialized external legal representation and engage environmental experts to aid in contesting SDCL’s lawsuit. This legal action is centered on the proposed development of a data center known as “Project Midspan.” The specific details of the lawsuit, including the court in which it was filed and the exact date of filing, were not immediately available.

Despite facing a setback where their insurance provider has reportedly declined to cover the litigation expenses, county officials have publicly stated their commitment to vigorously defending the zoning regulations. The county’s stance indicates a firm resolve to uphold its newly established rules governing data center construction and operation within its jurisdiction.

The zoning regulations in question are described as strict, and their confrontation with a global firm like SDCL highlights potential conflicts between local governance and large-scale development interests. The outcome of this case could set precedents for similar regulatory efforts in other municipalities grappling with the expansion of data center infrastructure.

Story summarized from the original created by Nick Hill on www.wdef.com, see more information here.