WSOC/WRAL poll finds North Carolinians are split on data center development
A WSOC/WRAL poll found North Carolinians nearly evenly divided over whether the state should allow additional data center development. The issue is also prompting opposition in Charlotte, where residents urged the City Council to extend its moratorium on new data center construction, citing electricity, water and infrastructure concerns.
A WSOC/WRAL poll conducted by SurveyUSA found that North Carolina voters are split over data center growth. Forty-three percent supported at least some development, while 42% opposed it; the largest group, 37%, favored allowing projects only if operators pay the full cost of energy, water and infrastructure, while 29% opposed additional development entirely.
The debate has been particularly visible in Charlotte, where residents including Marjorie Storch and Trinity Maeshack called on the Charlotte City Council to extend its moratorium on new construction. Political expert Chris Cooper said the lack of a clear statewide consensus was surprising, given the growing political opposition to data centers among local governments and candidates. The poll also found significant differences by political affiliation and ideology.