Protesters call for statewide action on data centers
The Party for Socialism and Liberation held protests across North Carolina, including Charlotte, calling for statewide action against new data centers. They urged state lawmakers to repeal tax incentives, block rate hikes, and enact a statewide ban on new data center construction. This follows a 150-day moratorium recently approved by the Charlotte City Council.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) organized protest-style news conferences in various North Carolina cities on Wednesday night, advocating for immediate statewide measures against new data center developments. In Charlotte, approximately 20 individuals, predominantly PSL members and supporters, participated in the event.
The protests were held in response to concerns that local governments, like the Charlotte City Council which approved a 150-day moratorium on data center construction last month, face limitations in their ability to regulate such projects. Jeffrey Shen, a PSL Charlotte member, highlighted that state laws restrict municipalities from downzoning or revoking prior approvals for data center sites.
The PSL urged state lawmakers to take several actions: repeal tax incentives currently benefiting data center operators, prevent potential electricity rate increases linked to new projects, and implement a statewide ban on the construction of new data centers.