Columbus County, NC, to hold public hearing on data center moratorium
Columbus County, NC commissioners have approved a public hearing for October 5th to discuss a proposed 90-day moratorium on data center development. This action allows county staff to research the potential impacts and needs of data centers, including their strain on local power and water grids and the development of farmland. The public will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed halt.
Columbus County, North Carolina, commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for October 5th to consider a proposed 90-day moratorium on data center development. The decision, approved during Monday's meeting, aims to provide county staff with sufficient time to research the potential impacts and infrastructure needs associated with data centers.
County Attorney Amanda Prince requested the temporary halt, emphasizing the need for comprehensive review before making long-term decisions. Commissioner Laverne Coleman initially suggested a 120-day moratorium to ensure thorough investigation, though the board agreed to proceed with a 90-day proposal for the public hearing.
The move follows a trend among local governments in North Carolina, with over 50 municipalities, including the nearby city of Whiteville, having already enacted similar moratoriums. Critics express concerns that data centers, particularly cryptocurrency mining operations, can strain local power and water grids and contribute to the development of agricultural land. Conversely, the county anticipates potential revenue from equipment and property taxes if data centers are approved.