Data centers dominate comments at commissioners meeting
Lee County residents voiced over 90 minutes of continued opposition to a proposed data center, citing concerns about harm to health, wildlife, water, electricity, and noise. Despite the issue not being on the agenda, commissioners read a resolution to be presented to state legislators calling for stronger data center regulations.
Residents of Lee County, North Carolina, dominated a recent commissioners' meeting, speaking for over 90 minutes in continued opposition to a proposed data center. Although the project was not on the official agenda, it was the primary topic during the public comment section, with residents expressing concerns about potential harm to humans, domestic pets, and wildlife, as well as significant water and electricity usage, and excessive noise levels.
Commission Chair Samantha Martin read a resolution, agreed upon by the board, which will be presented to state legislators. This resolution advocates for stronger regulations concerning data centers. However, this move was met with skepticism by some speakers, including Donna Evanson, who felt that state government action could be years away and insufficient. Other residents, like Randy Lanier, voiced broader opposition to the rapid development of county land, fearing its impact on long-standing farming operations.