Speakers at public hearing mostly in favor of data center moratorium in Charlotte
The Charlotte City Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed 150-day moratorium on data center development, with a majority of speakers favoring the pause. Concerns focused on potential higher power bills, significant water usage, and the placement of facilities near residential areas. A vote on the temporary moratorium is scheduled for June 8.
The Charlotte City Council held a "raucous" public hearing this week to discuss a possible 150-day moratorium on data center development within the city. Ashley Fahey of The Charlotte Ledger business newsletter reported that over 30 people spoke, with most advocating for a temporary pause.
Speakers in favor of the moratorium cited concerns about increased power bills for residents, the substantial water usage by data centers, especially during a drought, and the proximity of proposed facilities to neighborhoods and nature preserves. Conversely, a small number of speakers, primarily from the real estate industry, opposed the moratorium, arguing that data centers are critical infrastructure for modern digital life and artificial intelligence.
The proposed 150-day temporary moratorium is intended to provide the city with time to develop new policies and regulations for data center development. A vote on the measure is scheduled to take place at the City Council meeting on June 8.