Cary, North Carolina Considers Temporary Moratorium on New Data Center Construction
Cary, North Carolina, is considering a temporary moratorium on new data center construction. Town officials are evaluating the potential impact on local water resources, particularly Jordan Lake, which serves as the town's drinking water source. A pause would allow staff to study long-term effects before further development.
Cary, North Carolina, is actively considering a temporary moratorium on new data center construction amidst growing concerns about the industry's environmental impact, particularly on local water resources. During a recent meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush spearheaded a discussion about implementing a pause, emphasizing that Jordan Lake, the town's watershed and drinking water supply, is at risk. Town attorney Lisa Glover advised council members that the initial step involves directing staff to produce a report outlining a recommended timeline for such a moratorium, which would then be subject to a public hearing and future council vote.
The move comes as Cary, despite marketing itself as a tech infrastructure hub where companies like Hitachi Energy are planning facilities, faces increasing scrutiny regarding data center development. Residents like Tom Sweeney and visitors expressed apprehension about the rapid pace of development and the consumption of resources. This consideration by Cary mirrors similar actions in central North Carolina, where Apex, Orange County, and Chatham County have already enacted their own moratoriums. A bill addressing data center impacts is also advancing in the North Carolina House.