Surry County enacts two-year data center development moratorium
Surry County commissioners have unanimously enacted a two-year moratorium on data center development, extending an earlier 60-day pause. This decision allows officials more time to research the impacts of these facilities. Nearby Yadkin and Alamance counties are also considering similar moratoriums, with public hearings scheduled.
Surry County commissioners unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on data center development, extending a previous 60-day pause enacted in June. The decision, made on Monday night, is aimed at providing county officials more time to research the potential impacts of data center facilities, which are increasingly proposing projects across the state.
County Attorney Howard Jones highlighted the complexity of the issue, suggesting the board appoint a steering committee. This committee would be tasked with visiting data centers and consulting with local power providers and environmental officials to gather informed insights and advise the commissioners.
In related developments, Yadkin County commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing on August 17 to consider a potential one-year moratorium on data centers. Alamance County officials also slated a data center hearing for the same day, indicating a regional trend among Triad counties to pause and evaluate such developments.