Data center discussion held in Greensboro after 'no' vote on moratorium
Greensboro City Council is holding work sessions to understand the impacts of data centers on infrastructure, electricity, and water use after recently voting against a moratorium. The goal is to gather facts before adopting new regulations and an ordinance to protect the community.
Greensboro City Leaders are currently holding work sessions to delve deeper into the implications of data center development for the city's future. The City Council is learning about the economic benefits and potential impacts on local infrastructure, including electricity demand and water usage. This comes after the City Council recently voted 5 to 4 against implementing a moratorium on new data centers.
During the session, a consultant presented information comparing data center water use to other industries, noting that U.S. data centers use an estimated 17 billion gallons of water annually, significantly less than agriculture's daily use. A Councilwoman emphasized that these sessions are educational, aiming to establish a solid factual foundation for building a future ordinance that protects the community and ensures its ability to survive and thrive. Additional educational work sessions are anticipated as the city continues its research.