Residents voice support for data center moratorium in Beaufort County
Beaufort County, North Carolina residents voiced strong support for a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers, citing concerns over noise, emissions, and electricity costs. The Beaufort County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the moratorium on October 5th, with state statute limiting the period to 12 months. County officials indicated they are proactively assessing infrastructure needs before any companies approach them.
Residents of Beaufort County, North Carolina, expressed widespread support for a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers during a recent Beaufort County Commissioners meeting. Speakers like Meredith Loughlin voiced concerns about noise pollution, emissions, and electricity costs, preferring natural sounds over industrial server hum.
Zachary Settewongse also spoke against data center development, emphasizing the value of natural landscapes. Betsy Hester highlighted the need for more time to assess the impacts of artificial intelligence on community resources.
Beaufort County Commissioner Randy Walker expressed a desire to permanently prevent data center construction in the county. Chairman Frankie Waters and County Manager Tim Corley clarified that state law limits moratoriums to a maximum of 12 months. County officials confirmed that no companies have yet approached them with data center proposals, but they are evaluating the county's infrastructure capacity. The Beaufort County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposed moratorium on October 5.