Data center moratorium count rises again
The number of data center moratoriums in North Carolina continues to rise, with at least 14 counties and 20 municipalities having enacted such measures. Several cities and counties recently approved or extended temporary bans on new data center development to study impacts and update regulations. Former President Donald Trump commented on the economic benefits of data centers, while groups like the Party for Socialism and Liberation are actively campaigning against them, impacting AI infrastructure development.
The number of data center moratoriums being approved in North Carolina has significantly increased, with at least 14 counties and 20 municipalities statewide now having enacted such measures, marking a 21% rise in the past month. These moratoriums, which temporarily halt data center applications and development, are typically put in place while local governments study the impacts of these facilities and work to update their zoning ordinances and regulations.
Specific actions taken in August include the Greensboro City Council's approval of a 180-day moratorium on data centers exceeding 10 megawatts, pausing applications until mid-February 2027. Kings Mountain extended its existing 182-day moratorium by a full year, while Waxhaw and Whiteville both approved new one-year moratoriums, with Whiteville noting staff will draft regulations that could lead to an earlier lifting. Four counties also enacted moratoriums in August: Alamance County approved a unanimous one-year moratorium after significant resident opposition; Durham County passed a one-year pause until May 2027 or until new zoning rules are adopted; Edgecombe County Commissioners approved a two-year moratorium ending in August 2028; and Yadkin County approved a unanimous two-year moratorium applying only to unincorporated areas.
The trend of local moratoriums continues amidst comments from former President Donald Trump, who called data center pushback a "mistake," highlighting the jobs and tax revenue they bring. Globally, China is significantly ramping up its AI data center construction. Advocacy groups like the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) are actively pushing for moratoriums, with reports from the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) detailing PSL-led campaigns across 14 states, including Charlotte, Durham, and Fayetteville/Cumberland County in North Carolina. BPI estimates these campaigns have blocked at least $23.6 billion in AI investments nationwide.