Charlotte City Council approves 150-day moratorium on new data centers
Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns over rising electricity and water costs, noise, and potential environmental impacts. The temporary pause will allow council members to conduct further research and gather resident feedback, though it will not affect already approved projects.
Charlotte, N.C. – The Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium on new data center developments on Monday, June 8, in an 11-0 vote. This decision comes amid growing concerns from residents and advocacy groups like Action NC regarding the potential strain on local resources, including rising electricity and water costs, noise pollution, environmental risks, and the possibility of chemical leaks. Council Member Kimberly Owens clarified that the moratorium would not affect data centers that have already received approval, stating the council lacks the legal authority to halt ongoing projects.
The temporary pause is intended to provide city officials with time to conduct further research into the impacts of data centers and gather additional feedback from community members. Opponents highlighted existing developments, such as the Powerhouse Charlotte project in north Charlotte, a five-building facility on 122 acres, which is projected to consume 300-400 megawatts of electricity—enough to power approximately 300,000 homes.