Raleigh considers pause on data center development; public can share feedback Tuesday night
Raleigh leaders will hold a public hearing Tuesday on whether to approve a six-month pause on future large-scale data center development. The proposed moratorium follows an application for a large data center on Jones Sausage Road and concerns about noise, energy use and water consumption.
The Raleigh City Council is scheduled to hear public feedback Tuesday evening on a proposed six-month moratorium covering future large-scale data center development in the city. The measure would pause new development rather than ban data centers, and could be put to a vote after the hearing.
The discussion began after Raleigh received an application for a large data center on Jones Sausage Road. Mayor Janet Cowell said the city must protect residents while preserving Raleigh's reputation as a technology and innovation hub. Supporters, including resident Laura Harris, said a pause would give officials time to develop an appropriate policy while addressing concerns over data centers' energy and water demands.