Opposition to data centers is 'catching a fire' across North Carolina, spurring political challenges

The political landscape in North Carolina is being reshaped by burgeoning public opposition to data center developments, exemplified by David Batts' successful primary challenge against four-term incumbent Donald Boswell in Edgecombe County's sixth district. Batts campaigned primarily on an anti-data center platform, specifically targeting Energy Storage Solutions' proposal for a massive data center in the Kingsboro Industrial Park. Residents, including Batts, voiced concerns over temporary jobs, noise, and the environmental impact of the potential $19.2 billion project, leading to Boswell's defeat and signaling a statewide trend. This anti-data center sentiment is spreading, influencing decisions in various localities. In Stokes County, commissioners approved a $10 billion project despite significant community pushback, prompting a lawsuit from residents and environmental groups. In Apex, Wake County, a developer withdrew a data center plan following resident opposition, though the developer is now attempting a rezoning in Vance County, raising similar concerns. Across North Carolina, about a dozen counties are either proposing or have enacted moratoriums on data center construction to allow time for policy development. Gates County, for instance, passed a one-year moratorium in December 2025, driven by fears that data centers could strain its already embattled water system and the broader power grid. Gates County chairwoman Emily Truman noted that all constituents she's spoken with oppose data centers, and the moratorium could be extended if necessary. Polls from Elon University indicate that 44% of North Carolinians oppose data centers in their communities, with only 24% in support. Advocacy groups like the N.C. Environmental Justice Network are uniting local anti-data center organizers, addressing concerns about water usage, air pollution from power generation, noise levels, and the perceived lack of permanent jobs. While the Data Center Coalition argues that data centers can actually lower electricity costs and use less water than commercial buildings, opponents continue to organize, collecting petitions and closely monitoring governmental decisions on these projects.