Cherokee Indians in NC propose ban on data centers on their tribal lands

Four council members of the NC Cherokee Indian tribe, Lavita Hill, Venita Wolfe (Big Cove representatives), Shannon Swimmer (Painttown representative), and Shennelle Feather (Yellowhill representative), introduced an ordinance on Thursday to enact an indefinite moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands. The proposed ban, unveiled on the April 2 council agenda, cites data centers as a "clear and present danger" to the community and environment. The ordinance argues that data centers are often forced upon rural areas, worsening the quality of life due to enormous water consumption and a constant humming sound that causes health problems. The council members stated, "We are stewards of our land and should be proactive in protecting it," emphasizing that the tribe's limited 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary should be devoted to causes that uplift their people. The 12-member Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians council voted unanimously to table the motion to a future meeting without discussion, a common practice to allow members time for work sessions to discuss and refine the language of such measures.