Inside the Fight over Data Centers in North Carolina | State Lines Special

News Clip4:45PBS North Carolina·NC·2/14/2026

This video covers the ongoing debates and divisions in North Carolina communities over the development of large data center projects. Residents in Apex, NC are organizing against a proposed data center, while in Stokes County, hundreds of residents opposed a data center project but commissioners voted to approve it anyway. The video examines the factors driving these local conflicts over data center developments across the state.

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Gov: Apex, NC, Stokes County
In Apex, NC, residents are organizing against a proposed data center near their homes. In Stokes County, hundreds showed up to oppose one, but commissioners voted to approve it anyway. Across the state, communities are making different calls on billion-dollar data center projects. We examine what’s driving the divisions and what these facilities actually require from the towns that host them. State Lines In this roundtable discussion, experienced political analysts, journalists and elected officials examine North Carolina's top legislative stories and current events. Subscribe to the PBS North Carolina Channel for more stories! https://www.youtube.com/@MyPBSNC Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS app: https://pbsnc.org/app/. This program is made possible by viewers like you! Support PBS North Carolina today: https://pbsnc.org/donate