Durham residents call for stricter data center pause
Durham County residents are calling for a stricter data center moratorium, urging county commissioners to close a loophole that allows smaller data centers to be built. The current moratorium, enacted in August 2024, only applies to facilities larger than 100,000 square feet, which opponents say is insufficient. Residents vow to continue their advocacy for more comprehensive protections.
Residents of Durham County, North Carolina, are intensifying their efforts to implement a more stringent pause on data center construction. During a recent Durham County Commissioners meeting, several individuals spoke out against the current data center moratorium, which they argue contains a significant loophole.
The existing moratorium, approved by commissioners in August 2024, only applies to data centers exceeding 100,000 square feet. This exclusion has raised concerns among opponents, who fear it permits the construction of smaller facilities within Durham County. Activists, some of whom previously protested at an August 24th meeting, urged county commissioners to revise the ordinance to provide more comprehensive protection against all data center development.
Despite hearing public comments, county commissioners did not discuss any proposed changes to the moratorium during the session. However, those advocating for stricter regulations affirmed their commitment to continuing their efforts and speaking before county leaders until the wording of the moratorium is altered to be more protective, stating, "All of it should be strictly regulated, and the people deserve a say and oversight."