Raleigh weighs six-month data center pause as advocates demand more time
Raleigh leaders are expected to vote on a proposed six-month moratorium on larger data center developments, while community advocates are seeking a 32-month pause for additional study and public involvement. The draft ordinance cites potential impacts on electricity and water demand, infrastructure, noise, light pollution and heat islands.
The Raleigh City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and potentially vote on a six-month moratorium covering approvals for larger data centers and related city water and sewer connections. If adopted, the pause would run through April 6, 2027, unless the council approves new code amendments sooner. City staff would use the period to study impacts and develop data center regulations.
Community advocates, including former council member and Raleigh Anti-Data Center Coalition organizer Mary Black, are urging the city to adopt a 32-month pause instead. They argue that six months would not provide enough time for research or meaningful resident engagement, and organizations planned to rally before the meeting. The debate follows opposition to a proposed Southeast Raleigh data center near Jones Sausage and Rock Quarry roads, whose developer later withdrew its annexation request.
The proposed moratorium addresses concerns about electricity and water demand, utility and ratepayer costs, noise, light pollution, heat islands and other infrastructure impacts. Supporters of data centers cite investment, jobs and tax revenue, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright and the Data Center Coalition have argued that restricting development could undermine North Carolina's economic and technology goals.