NC considers statewide requirements for data centers

North Carolina lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill this week aimed at creating statewide requirements for data centers, addressing growing concerns about their environmental and community impact. The proposed legislation includes provisions for mandating specific cooling systems and requiring developers to assess noise pollution affecting nearby schools and homes. However, the bill also controversially includes a measure to fast-track new nuclear power plants for Duke Energy, causing disagreement among Democrats, including Representative Jordan Lopez, who expressed discomfort with this addition in what is otherwise framed as a "ratepayer Protection Act." The bill passed the House on Wednesday and now returns to the Senate for further consideration.

Simultaneously, the Charlotte City Council is scheduled to vote on a 150-day moratorium on new data center developments on Monday. This proposed pause is intended to provide city officials with five months to develop their own municipal regulations, focusing on aspects such as data center placement to avoid proximity to residential neighborhoods, internal cooling systems to reduce reliance on the city's water supply, and energy consumption, especially in light of proposed rate hikes by Duke Energy. The moratorium is widely expected to pass, serving as a temporary measure rather than an outright ban, while comprehensive city guidelines are formulated.