Charlotte City Council votes to extend pause on new data center developments | WSOC-TV
Charlotte City Council unanimously extended its moratorium on new data center developments until late October of next year. Council members said they need more time to assess state legislation, local regulatory authority, infrastructure impacts, water and air quality, and appropriate buffers from residential areas.
The Charlotte City Council unanimously extended the city’s pause on new data center developments for another year, through late October of next year. Council members said they need additional time to determine how best to regulate the rapidly growing industry and to see whether the North Carolina General Assembly changes local governments’ authority or adopts statewide data center regulations.
The council also discussed a proposed two-year statewide moratorium and concerns about data centers’ effects on water, clean air and city infrastructure, as well as the need for separation between facilities and homes. Members cited potential job growth and concerns from labor unions that the pause is limiting work opportunities. Projects already built or approved before Charlotte’s original moratorium took effect in June can continue, while city staff will examine possible rules for existing and previously approved facilities.