City moves closer to a data center moratorium
Charlotte City Council is moving closer to voting on a proposed 150-day moratorium on new data center development. A public hearing was held where a majority of speakers supported the pause, citing concerns over water and power usage. The moratorium would allow the city to develop new regulations for data centers.
The Charlotte City Council is progressing towards a vote on a proposed 150-day moratorium on new data center development, with a decision expected at its June 8 meeting following a public hearing. Council member Dimple Ajmera was present at a press conference preceding the hearing.
During the public hearing, more than 30 people addressed the council, with a strong majority supporting the temporary pause. Concerns were raised regarding the substantial water and power requirements of "hyperscale" data centers and their potential impact on the area's quality of life. Some speakers even advocated for an outright ban on such facilities within Charlotte. The moratorium is intended to provide the city with time to establish comprehensive regulations and policy guidance for future data center construction.