Commissioners voted unanimously to pause new data center projects while they study the issue

The Oliver County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 180-day pause on new data center construction in the county. The board initially discussed a 90-day moratorium but opted for the longer 180-day pause, citing a need for more time to study the issue. The meeting lasted about five hours and included community members speaking both in favor and against data centers in the area. The data center moratorium is a temporary halt on new projects while the county reviews policies, regulations, and potential impacts related to data center development.