County approves one-year ban on data centers
Davie County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center construction following a public hearing. Residents voiced concerns about environmental impact, noise, agricultural land, and the county's rural character. The decision was made despite no current permit requests, allowing the county time to study the issue.
Davie County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center construction during their Monday meeting. The decision followed a lengthy public hearing where dozens of community members spoke against the development of data centers, citing concerns about effects on agricultural land, potential noise issues, impacts on the Yadkin River, and the region's environmental health.
County Manager Brian Barnett clarified that no data centers had formally requested permitting, and only preliminary discussions with developers had occurred. Speakers like farmer Robin Mason and high school student Emma Grace Snow highlighted fears that data centers would change the rural way of life, create "heat islands," and potentially become obsolete toxic areas. Commissioner Mark Jones cited an article from seekingalpha.com about the surge in wholesale electricity prices in northern Virginia due to data center power usage, reinforcing concerns about grid impact and power bills.
Vice-Chair Brent Shoaf referenced the county's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which aims to maintain its rural character, expressing frustration with business interests that he believes undervalue a rural lifestyle. Commissioner Terry Renegar acknowledged the community's passion and committed to studying the issue to develop a strong ordinance. The commissioners also symbolically removed a clause that would have allowed them to terminate the moratorium early, emphasizing their intent to maintain the ban for the full 12 months, with discussions about a potential permanent ban to follow.