Data center debate leads to moratorium proposal

The Lee County Board of Commissioners recently voted to instruct staff to draft a moratorium on data center development and fracking, scheduling a future meeting for discussion and a potential public hearing. This decision followed a heated meeting at the McSwain Center, where a capacity crowd and over 45 speakers voiced strong opposition. The debate was sparked by an Inside Climate News article in late 2025, detailing a proposal by Deep River Data to access natural gas from Butler Well No. 3 in the Cumnock area to power a nearby artificial intelligence data center. Critics, including Deep River Riverkeeper Stephanie Stephens and Steph Gans of Clean Water North Carolina, highlighted concerns about potential impacts on the already polluted Deep River, which serves as a drinking water source for 345,000 people, and the broader environmental consequences of fracking in the area. Attorney Brooks Rainey from the Southern Environmental Law Center advocated for a moratorium to allow commissioners time to study the complex issues surrounding data centers. Conversely, Sanford Area Growth Alliance CEO Jimmy Randolph presented the economic benefits of data centers but explicitly stated SAGA's opposition to the Deep River Data proposal, calling it an unsustainable model for Lee County. Commissioner Andre Knecht raised questions about the water and sewer implications, noting that annexation by the city would likely be required for such services. The motion for a moratorium was introduced by Commissioner Robert Reives, leading to widespread applause from the audience.