Cumberland County Commissioners to Consider Data Center Moratorium

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners is set to discuss a proposed moratorium on data centers, which would temporarily block the issuance of zoning and building permits for such projects. County Attorney Rick Moorefield outlined the process, including the requirement for a public hearing before approving any such ordinance. Public interest in a moratorium intensified after at least two large data centers were proposed for Fayetteville in 2025. Residents have expressed significant concerns regarding the high electricity and water consumption, noise from cooling systems, and potential pollution from backup generators associated with data center operations. Three of the seven commissioners have previously indicated support for a ban of one to three years, though the specific duration remains undecided. This consideration by the County Commissioners follows a recent vote by the Fayetteville City Council to also consider a data center moratorium, rather than immediately imposing regulations. A public forum on the topic held in March drew 33 speakers and 96 written comments. Cumberland County's proposed moratorium would apply to areas outside Fayetteville and other municipalities within the county. The article notes that at least seven local governments in North Carolina, including Apex, have enacted data center moratoriums since January 1.