Swain County unanimously passes data center moratorium

Swain County Commissioners in North Carolina unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction on April 21, 2026. This decision followed a public meeting on March 31 in Bryson City, N.C., where 140 residents and 34 speakers expressed significant concerns. Community members from across Western North Carolina have consistently raised issues regarding data centers' water usage, energy consumption, noise, and visual impact. Speakers highlighted the substantial resource demands, noting that some data centers can use as much energy as a power plant annually and are highly water-intensive, citing an example of Energy Storage Solutions in Edgecombe County using 500,000 gallons of water per day. Taylor, a fly-fishing guide from the Whittier community, articulated fears that excessive water usage by data centers could devastate the local fishing industry, a key source of income. Public comments at the Commission meeting overwhelmingly supported the moratorium, with one individual advocating for an even stricter, long-term ban. With the moratorium enacted, Swain County commissioners will now undertake a multi-month research process to explore options for a more stringent and permanent ordinance regulating data center development. Commissioner Tanner Lawson emphasized the importance of thoroughness in this process, aiming to establish the most effective regulations possible. Additionally, two ad hoc committees composed of Swain County residents will be formed to guide and advise this research.