Asheville considers data center pause amid worries about infrasound, heat and grid strain
Asheville's PEDE Committee voted to advance a proposed one-year data center moratorium to the city council, citing the city's lack of specific regulations. If approved, the moratorium would allow the city to study impacts, gather public input, and draft new zoning rules amidst concerns over electricity grid strain, water use, heat, and noise.
The Asheville Planning, Economic Development and Environmental (PEDE) Committee voted on June 16 to advance a proposed one-year moratorium on data center development to the full city council. Asheville City Attorney Brad Branham explained that the city currently lacks specific zoning regulations for data centers, which puts it in a difficult position to mitigate potential impacts if an application were to come forward.
Mayor Esther Manheimer clarified that no data center applications are currently pending, but the city aims to establish rules proactively. If enacted, the moratorium would provide the city with a year to conduct studies, gather public input, and draft new zoning ordinances for data centers. City council member Maggie Ullman, who chairs the PEDE Committee, expressed doubts about the suitability of data centers in Asheville, suggesting that land use should prioritize affordable housing or small businesses.
Concerns voiced by local policy lead Rachel Cohen of Sunrise Movement WNC and council member Kim Roney include potential strain on the electric grid, impacts on water infrastructure, and issues related to heat and infrasound noise that could affect public health. A public hearing and a final vote on the moratorium are anticipated soon.