Stokes County commissioners reject data center moratorium

Stokes County residents expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed data center development, highlighting potential negative impacts such as noise, pollution, massive water usage, and heat generation. Many community members advocated for a moratorium on data center developments, emphasizing the need for adequate regulations to protect the county and its citizens.

After nearly an hour of public comment, the Stokes County Planning Board recommended a moratorium. However, during a subsequent meeting, the County Commissioners voted 3-2 to reject this recommendation. Commissioner Sonia Cox noted that despite the public outcry, the commission would commit to taking their time should another data center application come forward, not rushing through the process. The decision to reject the moratorium allows A Engineer Lance Solutions, a development company planning an 1800-acre data center, to move forward with their project without the proposed delay.