Raleigh City Council approves six-month data center moratorium, opposition wants more time
The Raleigh City Council voted 7-1 to impose a six-month moratorium on approving new data center applications, allowing time to study environmental impacts, resource consumption and utility costs. The decision followed strong public opposition to a proposed 100,000-square-foot data center near Jones Sausage Road, which was withdrawn after backlash.
The Raleigh City Council, joined by Mayor Janet Cowell, approved a six-month data center moratorium in a 7-1 vote. No new site applications can be approved or construction started through April 6, although applications filed before the moratorium are exempt. The city plans to use the period to examine environmental impacts, water and energy consumption, natural-resource use and potential effects on utility bills.
The moratorium followed opposition to Beacon Partners' proposal for a 100,000-square-foot data center on more than 13 acres along Jones Sausage Road in southeast Raleigh. The proposal was withdrawn after residents objected to its annexation petition, but speakers at the council meeting said six months was insufficient and displayed signs calling for a 32-month review period. Environmental Justice Network co-director Rania Masri urged research into effects on land, water supplies and the energy grid, while Councilwoman Christina Jones cast the sole dissenting vote. The council is expected to hold 11 additional public-comment opportunities and develop site-specific standards for larger data centers.