Data center concerns loom in Brunswick County
Brunswick County commissioners publicly voiced strong opposition to data center development, citing concerns over public utility strain, noise, and minimal job creation. This local stance comes amidst a statewide effort through North Carolina Senate Bill 730, which proposes new regulations for data centers, and after other localities like Charlotte and Shallotte have adopted their own restrictions or moratoriums.
Brunswick County commissioners have publicly expressed adamant opposition to data center development within the county, with Chair Mike Forte stating he would not vote for approval. Commissioners, including Vice Chair Marty Cooke and Pat Sykes, cited concerns about significant strain on public utilities, increased electricity and water consumption, noise pollution, and the low number of jobs created by such facilities, which they believe do not align with the county's job-oriented growth goals. County Manager Steve Stone confirmed no data center applications have been received, though speculation has existed for industrial park locations.
This local opposition aligns with broader statewide concerns in North Carolina, where Senate Bill 730, known as the Ratepayer Protection Act, is advancing through the General Assembly. The bill, which passed the state house, aims to implement statewide regulations for data centers consuming 100 megawatts or more. Proposed provisions include water use standards, requiring data centers to contract with local electric utility providers to protect ratepayers from cost subsidies, and mandating site assessments for new developments to evaluate impacts on sound, water, air quality, and other community resources.
Other North Carolina localities have already taken action; the City of Charlotte has enacted data center moratoriums, and the Town of Shallotte adopted a unified development ordinance amendment in January. Shallotte's amendment restricts data centers to heavy industrial zoning districts, prohibits them near residential areas, schools, and in flood hazard zones, and sets requirements for screening, noise levels, and cooling system discharge. These preemptive measures reflect a growing trend of local governments establishing regulations to mitigate the potential adverse effects of data center proliferation.