Bailey board adopts data center moratorium
The Bailey Board of Commissioners has enacted a 10-month moratorium on data center development, specifically targeting AI facilities due to high electricity and water usage. The resolution passed with a 3-1 vote, despite concerns from some commissioners about the broad definition of "data center" which critics argue could unintentionally impact existing local businesses.
The Bailey Board of Commissioners in North Carolina has approved a 10-month moratorium on data center development, effective May 18. The resolution, modeled after a similar one in Spring Hope, aims to prevent the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, citing concerns over their significant electricity and water consumption.
Commissioner David Evans was the sole dissenting vote, expressing strong reservations that the resolution's broad definition of "data center" could inadvertently apply to existing local retail and service businesses that maintain on-site computer networks and servers. Town Attorney Mark Edwards acknowledged the definition's lack of precision but stated the town could interpret its own definitions, providing protection against new AI data center developments. Mayor Owen Strickland II supported the moratorium as a protective measure.
Despite the objections, Commissioners Dillon Bissette, Richard Wilson, and Ervin Powell voted to adopt the resolution. Commissioner Walter Wells, who was absent for the vote, later indicated he would have voted against the measure, making the vote 3-2. The Bailey Planning Board had previously reviewed and recommended the resolution for approval.