Charlotte considers pause on data centers

The Charlotte City Council is currently deliberating a potential moratorium on data center construction, a topic gaining traction across North Carolina due to growing concerns about their impact. Mayor Vi Lyle added this discussion to the agenda last month, having previously cast the tie-breaking vote to defer a public hearing on the matter. The proposed moratorium aims to temporarily halt data center construction for up to six months, allowing city staff to establish final regulations concerning water and energy consumption. While tonight's meeting is solely for council discussion and not public comment, Council member Malcolm Graham views it as a crucial step forward. A separate public hearing is scheduled for next Monday regarding a controversial data center project specifically proposed for East Charlotte.