With data center EDA approved, board now eyes hearing on moratorium

Halifax County officials recently approved an amended economic development agreement (EDA) with Quiet Data Centers Halifax (QDCH) for a project at the 251-acre Enfield Industrial Site. Despite the approval, the county is now shifting its focus to a legislative hearing scheduled for the following month, which could lead to the enactment of a moratorium on new data center projects within the county.

County Attorney Glynn Rollins emphasized that while the current QDCH project will proceed, there will be ample opportunity in the coming months for public and official input on whether to invoke a moratorium and what specific measures it might entail. He highlighted that each state's regulatory environment differs, referencing Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas, but assured commissioners that Halifax County can still address potential issues. Rollins also noted that neighboring counties like Edgecombe, Nash, and Northampton are also considering data center regulations.

Commissioner Jimmie Silver expressed regret that the county had not negotiated more extensively with QDCH upfront, acknowledging that the county's bargaining power diminished after the initial EDA was signed. However, he encouraged Enfield Mayor Mondale Robinson to continue discussions with the company for additional benefits for local communities. Commissioner Chenoa Davis raised concerns that the Enfield site might be one of the last county-owned parcels, meaning future private data center deals would bypass direct county negotiation. Rollins clarified that while the county wouldn't be a party to such private transactions, it plans to implement