Cumberland County Again Considers Temporary Ban on Data Centers
Cumberland County leaders are again considering a temporary moratorium on data center construction to allow time for developing specific regulations. This comes as the City of Fayetteville moves to enact its own regulations for data center development within city limits, and the North Carolina House has advanced a bill for statewide regulation. Concerns around noise, water, and electricity consumption from data centers are driving these legislative efforts.
Cumberland County commissioners are set to reconvene on Thursday to discuss and potentially vote on a proposed moratorium on data center construction. The county has been considering such a ban since March to allow staff time to develop comprehensive regulations addressing concerns like noise, high water and electricity consumption, and potential water pollution.
Simultaneously, the City of Fayetteville is advancing its own regulations for data centers within its jurisdiction, which would exempt them from any county-wide moratorium. Protesters recently voiced their concerns outside Fayetteville City Hall, advocating for a temporary ban, though the City Council ultimately opted for regulation over a ban. The North Carolina House has also advanced a bill aimed at regulating data centers statewide.
Two data center projects are reportedly under consideration for Cumberland County, and Fort Bragg has solicited proposals for a data center on its post. County Attorney Rick Moorefield has advised commissioners on the latest moratorium proposal, urging them to determine its duration and schedule a vote, potentially at their June 15 meeting.