Greensboro residents raise concerns over proposed 120-day data center moratorium
Greensboro held a public hearing regarding a proposed 120-day moratorium on data center developments exceeding 10 megawatts. Residents expressed significant concerns about environmental impacts, transparency, and the moratorium's duration, advocating for a longer pause. Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter acknowledged the need for more study and expert input before making a decision.
The Greensboro City Council held a public hearing to discuss a proposed 120-day moratorium on data center developments that exceed 10 megawatts. Nearly 100 residents attended the Monday night session, with many voicing strong concerns and advocating for a significantly longer pause, suggesting a 32-month moratorium instead.
Key issues raised by residents included potential environmental risks to air, water, and soil, a lack of transparency in the development process, and the proposed data centers' proximity to local colleges and East Greensboro communities. Some attendees criticized the absence of public resources, such as a draft moratorium or research, prior to the hearing.
Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter acknowledged the council's need for more information, stating, "We've got to learn everything about data centers in order to make an educated decision." She indicated the city is seeking experts in water, environment, and data centers to weigh the pros and cons. While residents focused on negative impacts, Abuzuaiter also mentioned the potential benefits of data centers for local universities aiming for R1 status.
The public hearing is part of a formal listening session before a potential vote on the moratorium. It was scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday evening to accommodate additional speakers.