Charlotte City Council weighs data center moratorium amid water, power concerns

The Charlotte City Council is actively debating the future of data center development within the city, a topic that has sparked significant division. During a recent Monday night meeting, council members decided to move forward with a proposal for a temporary moratorium on new data centers. Residents and council members alike have voiced concerns regarding the strain data centers place on local resources, specifically highlighting water consumption, electricity demand, and noise pollution. City staff presented data indicating that a single data center currently under construction near University Place could consume up to 1.2 million gallons of water daily during summer months, an amount comparable to the usage of 4,000 homes. Councilmember Lawana Mayfield emphasized the need for a clearer understanding of the economic and environmental costs associated with hosting modern data centers. She noted that state incentives for certain companies might be contributing to resource strain, suggesting that data center developers should cover the true cost of operating in Charlotte. To address these concerns, the City Council has scheduled a public hearing for May 26, where residents can share their perspectives. Following the hearing, the council is expected to vote on June 8 on whether to enact a 150-day moratorium on new data center development.