Durham Council Delays Environmental Board Pick Over Data Centers
The Durham City Council delayed appointing Jefferson Crawford to an at-large seat on the Environmental Affairs Board after residents raised concerns about his utility-sector work and possible ties to data center development. The dispute comes as Durham city and county governments impose moratoriums on large-scale data centers and develop permanent regulations amid concerns about water use, environmental impacts and grid demand.
The Durham City Council sent Jefferson Crawford’s proposed appointment to the Environmental Affairs Board back for further consideration, leaving an at-large seat vacant. The board had recommended botanist and community advocate Elizabeth “Liz” Kreick, while several council members supported Crawford, whose past work for Duke Energy and current role with the Tennessee Valley Authority include issues involving utility rates and large electricity users. Residents, including members of the Stop Data Centers in Durham coalition, questioned whether his background would influence the board’s treatment of data center development.
The appointment dispute is unfolding amid heightened local scrutiny of data centers. Durham County commissioners approved a nine-month moratorium on new hyperscale facilities, while the city enacted a 12-month moratorium on large-scale development. Officials are working toward permanent regulations as residents debate water consumption, environmental impacts, land use and electricity demand, with many calling for stricter limits or a broader pause.