Orange County passes one-year moratorium on data centers

The Orange County Board of Commissioners has unanimously voted 6-0 to enact a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers, including facilities for AI training, data processing, and cryptocurrency mining. The decision grants county staff time to thoroughly study the potential impacts of such developments, draft specific language to address data centers, and update existing land use policies. Jean Hamilton, chair of the Board, emphasized that the moratorium is crucial for evaluating the effects on natural resources and infrastructure, and for engaging residents in determining the county's future approach to data center development. County Attorney John Roberts noted that data centers are not currently addressed in the county's unified development ordinance, making it difficult to apply existing standards. During the meeting, several residents spoke in favor of the moratorium, voicing concerns about increased air and noise pollution, and the significant demands on water and power resources. Ashley Parker, a local farmer, highlighted severe drought conditions in central North Carolina, questioning the county's capacity to support additional water-intensive industries. This move follows similar one-year moratoriums recently passed by the Town of Apex and Chatham County, as North Carolina continues to experience a rapid increase in data center development, which currently accounts for up to 3% of the state's energy demand, projected to double by 2030.