Some people in Vance County oppose data center development

Vance County, North Carolina, is facing significant community opposition following county leaders' approval of rezoning land for a new data center. Residents are concerned about the potential impact of hyperscale data centers on local resources, particularly the watershed and water table, fearing wells could dry up. Business owners, such as Hope Crabtree, argue that government leaders need more time for research before making decisions on data center development. Citizens are scheduled to share their opinions with representatives from Governor Josh Stein's office at the Civic Center on the Vance Granville Community College campus. The rezoning approval by county leaders occurred just last week, reportedly without sufficient community input. This development comes amidst broader discussions about data centers across North Carolina's Triangle region. Apex recently enacted a moratorium on data center development, and the City of Durham's council discussed a one-year moratorium last week, with a formal vote anticipated soon. Chatham County and Wendell are also noted as communities that have already blocked data center developments. Supporters of data centers highlight their potential to generate more money for the local economy.