Mercer County issues moratorium on data centers

Mercer County in North Dakota has imposed a one-year moratorium on new data center developments. The county commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of the pause, giving staff time to research and develop relevant ordinances. Local residents voiced concerns about a lack of transparency from data center proponents and fears of rising electricity rates. Jamee Folk, a Mercer County commissioner, stated the county needs time to protect both sides and work out appropriate ordinances, as they currently have no active data center applications.