Charlotte Imposes 150-Day Moratorium on Data Centers

UPDATE Charlotte, NC City Council voted unanimously Monday to pause new data center projects for 150 days as officials study the facilities’ environmental, infrastructure and neighborhood impacts, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Council members said the moratorium, which could be extended, will give the city time to develop a clearer policy within the limits of North Carolina law. The move follows months of debate and growing public opposition, especially over a proposed data center near Reedy Creek Nature Preserve in east Charlotte.

“This is about quality of life, clean air and clean water,” at-large Council member Dimple Ajmera said.  

Supporters packed Monday’s meeting with signs opposing data centers and applauded the vote. Some residents also raised concerns about electricity use, water demand and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

City attorney Andrea Leslie-Fite said the moratorium cannot stop projects that were already approved under state law.

Charlotte joins several North Carolina communities, including Durham, Apex, Canton, Chatham County and Gates County, that have recently adopted temporary bans on new data center development.