Data center moratorium discussion held in Guilford County
Guilford County commissioners discussed a potential 180-day pause on new data center applications outside city limits. After hearing from residents and others seeking a longer moratorium, commissioners postponed a vote until Nov. 5 to conduct additional research and public outreach.
Guilford County commissioners considered placing a temporary pause on new data center applications in unincorporated areas, following Greensboro's adoption of a separate 180-day pause in August. The proposed county moratorium would give staff and officials time to assess how data centers could affect local communities.
Nearly a dozen speakers addressed the commission, with many supporting a longer moratorium than the proposed 180 days. Commissioners said they needed more time to review the potential benefits and drawbacks, consult experts and hold town hall meetings before taking action. The board postponed the moratorium vote until Nov. 5.