Charlotte City Council moving forward with data center moratorium

Charlotte City Council members have unanimously advanced a proposal for a 150-day moratorium on new data center applications. During their Monday night meeting, the council set a public hearing for May 26, leading up to a final vote on the moratorium on June 8. The proposed pause aims to give the city time to formulate new regulations and thoroughly assess the environmental and infrastructural impacts of data centers within Charlotte. Councilmembers Dimple Ajmera and JD Mazuera Arias expressed regret that action wasn't taken sooner, acknowledging the growing presence of data centers and the need for greater understanding. If enacted, the moratorium would prevent the city from accepting or approving new data center applications, but would not affect projects that have already secured permits, such as the PowerHouse project currently under construction off University City Drive. A proposed data center off Hood Road in east Charlotte, which currently has a rezoning hearing scheduled for June, would be impacted by the moratorium.