Fayetteville, Cumberland County Debate Data Center Regulations; Moratoriums Proposed and Enacted
Fayetteville and Cumberland County, NC, are grappling with data center development, prompting ongoing debates and efforts to establish regulations. Fayetteville City Council is considering a moratorium until October, while Cumberland County enacted one until December 15. Local officials and experts are discussing necessary standards for water, air quality, setbacks, and electricity to protect residents and utility ratepayers.
Fayetteville and Cumberland County, North Carolina, are currently engaged in a polarizing community debate regarding telecommunications and data center development. Both the Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County commissioners are actively working to establish rules, regulations, and standards to manage anticipated growth.
The Fayetteville City Council recently voted 7-3 to defer a decision on a potential moratorium until October, indicating a proposed pause on new data center projects. In contrast, Cumberland County commissioners previously enacted a moratorium in June, which remains in effect until December 15. This legislative activity underscores the seriousness with which local leaders are addressing the issue.
Former state Rep. John Szoka, CEO of the Conservative Energy Network, addressed the Fayetteville City Council, praising the proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) as a step in the right direction but identifying critical areas for improvement. He emphasized the need for detailed water management plans from developers, clear distinctions for air quality impacts from generators versus on-site power plants, regulation of noise and visibility impacts rather than arbitrary setbacks, and requiring utility service and capacity determinations to protect ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure upgrades. Clarence Briggs, founder of the local Advanced Internet Technologies data center, echoed the sentiment for responsible management, acknowledging that data center development is inevitable but must be handled carefully.
City Council members Lynne Greene, Stephon Ferguson, and Deno Hondros have been actively learning about data center impacts, including visiting facilities in Loudoun County, Virginia, and expressing interest in examining less successful developments in Michigan and Wisconsin. This research aims to inform the development of robust, transparent ordinances that balance community protection with technological advancement.