Activists push for North Carolina ban on data center construction
Activists led by the Party for Socialism and Liberation are pushing for a statewide ban on data center construction in North Carolina, citing environmental pollution, high water usage, and increased costs for consumers. They have organized a petition calling on the state legislature to pass this ban, repeal tax incentives for data centers, and prevent Duke Energy from raising rates to fund additional data centers. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are working on a bill to require data centers to fund their own expansion and regulate water usage.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation, specifically its Western North Carolina chapter, has launched a campaign advocating for a statewide ban on new data center construction in North Carolina. Cody Cogdell from the organization emphasized concerns about data centers polluting communities, consuming significant amounts of water, and passing on costs to working-class consumers. An Asheville resident, Madeline Boltinghouse, echoed environmental concerns and supported a statewide ban.
Environmental group Sierra Club's Ken Brame expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a complete ban, but supported other petition demands, such as repealing state tax incentives for data centers. He stated there should be no debate about ending subsidies for something that harms the environment. The petition also calls on the legislature to prevent Duke Energy from increasing rates to fund data center expansion. Duke Energy issued a statement clarifying that it does not develop data centers but is obligated to serve customers, requiring large-load customers to cover their costs, with revenue supporting grid investments.
In a related development, state lawmakers are reportedly working on legislation that would mandate data centers to cover the costs of their own expansion and establish regulations for the amount of water they can use.