County considers data center rules or moratorium
Jackson County Commissioners are discussing new regulations or a moratorium for data centers, prompted by public complaints and concerns over noise, electricity, and water consumption. They are evaluating whether existing Unified Development Ordinances for crypto mining are sufficient or need to be expanded to cover data centers. The county manager believes existing rules could apply, but a commissioner proposed a moratorium.
Jackson County Commissioners in North Carolina are actively considering implementing new regulations or a moratorium on data center development, following numerous public complaints about potential impacts. Commissioner John Smith initiated the discussion, suggesting that while existing Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) for crypto mining might offer some protection, they should be expanded to specifically include data centers. He highlighted concerns about noise, significant electricity use, and environmental effects.
County Manager Kevin King noted that the issue would be reviewed by the Planning Board, believing current crypto mining regulations requiring noise mitigation, proper equipment disposal, vegetation buffers, and renewable energy offsets could largely apply to data centers due to similar operational definitions. King cautioned against a "kneejerk reaction," indicating that current rules would impose substantial costs on any developer, such as requiring net-zero water and power usage.
However, Commissioner Jenny Hooper proposed a moratorium to prevent any circumvention of regulations, a suggestion supported by Smith. Jennifer Cooper, Director of the Watershed Association of the Tuckaseigee River, voiced significant worries about water usage, particularly during extreme drought conditions, and the potential impact on drinking water, public health, and the local economy. The commissioners are expected to receive the Planning Board's findings in August as they continue to explore options to address the growing interest in data center development.