Alamance and Yadkin leaders join data center ban debate amid expanding environmental and energy concerns
The debate over data center developments continues to spread across the Piedmont Triad, with county leaders considering moratoriums to address concerns about their effects on water, air, and energy resources.
On Monday evening, Alamance County commissioners are expected to hold a general discussion about a potential ban during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
Also in Yadkin County, commissioners are anticipated to set a public hearing to further discuss a temporary moratorium during their monthly meeting, on Monday night.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Where else are moratoriums being discussed in the Piedmont-Triad?
Leaders in Davie, Davidson, Stokes, and Surry counties have already discussed or passed pauses on data center projects.
Last month, Surry County commissioners approved a 60-day moratorium on data center developments.
Two weeks ago, Davie County commissioners enacted a year-long pause.
In Davidson County, commissioners agreed last week to draft a proposal for a six-month freeze after several residents advocated for a moratorium during a public comment period.
While a vote has not yet been scheduled, leaders are expected to revisit the proposal at their meeting next month.
Mount Airy leaders also voted in favor of their own 60-day moratorium, even though Surry County leaders had already approved a countywide ban for the same length of time.
But in Stokes County, a similar effort failed when commissioners rejected a proposed moratorium, one week ago.
Residents in communities like Rural Hall in Forsyth County have expressed concerns about how data centers could impact local water supplies, air pollution, and energy bills.
In June the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Planning Board voted against recommending its approval for the potential project.
The planning board’s recommendation now goes to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, which will have the final say.
That meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 30.
What are the pros and cons of a moratorium?
Supporters of moratoriums argue that these pauses give leaders time to research and address these concerns.
However, supporters of data centers often highlight the potential business revenue and job creation that new developments could bring to the area.
Some skeptics of moratoriums point out that such pauses prevent new developers from starting projects, or deter developers from seeking out a region.
Also, not all data centers have the same impact on communities. Some residents believe smaller centers should not be affected by bans.
Read more on the differences between data centers and on environmental impacts in our previous coverage here.
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