Franklin approves data center moratorium -
Franklin's town council has approved a one-year moratorium on the development of any new data centers, following a public hearing. This decision aims to provide time to develop zoning regulations and controls for data centers, as current laws do not adequately address them. The moratorium was supported by the public due to concerns over resource consumption, noise, and environmental impact.
Franklin, North Carolina's town council has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on the development of any new data centers within its limits. The decision, made during a public hearing on July 6, comes as the town seeks to establish comprehensive zoning regulations for such facilities, which are currently unaddressed in existing codes. Town Attorney John Henning, Jr. noted the absence of safeguards, stating that the town would be in a "tough spot" to prevent or regulate a data center development under current rules.
The public hearing drew a large crowd, with commenters overwhelmingly supporting the moratorium. Concerns raised included the excessive consumption of water and power, constant noise generation, and the potential compromise of the area's rural character and landscapes. Michael Scarborough, an IT industry veteran, argued that data centers provide few local jobs and can become obsolete quickly.
Mayor Stacey Guffey expressed frustration over the North Carolina state legislature's laws limiting municipal government power to prevent data center development, urging residents to contact state officials. Vice Mayor Mike Lewis emphasized that while a complete ban is unlawful, the goal is to ensure any future data centers are as "low impact as possible." The moratorium will allow the board to explore ways to control data centers, potentially requiring developers to find alternative power and cooling solutions to avoid stressing local infrastructure.