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Cumberland County Commission imposes two-year moratorium on data centers after public concern
Summary
After multiple residents raised health and safety concerns, the Cumberland County Commission voted unanimously on June 15 to impose a temporary two-year moratorium on construction or operation of data centers while the county studies potential impacts.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously June 15 to adopt RES 06-2026-31, imposing a temporary two-year moratorium on the construction, development, establishment or operation of data centers in the county.
Commissioner Darrell Threet moved to adopt the moratorium; Commissioner Deborah Holbrook seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote by the commissioners present. The resolution states the moratorium is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare while the county studies impacts and considers potential regulatory measures.
The moratorium followed an extended public-comment period in which multiple residents urged the commission to limit or pause data center development. Public commenters recorded in the meeting minutes included Howard Burnett (554 Gardens Drive), Abby Willard, Randall Upton (526 Forest Drive), Michael Ray (7111 Ute Lane), Linda Bell (472 Carson Road), Chad King (448 Old Lantana Road) and others who addressed the resolution during the comment period.
County officials did not record a competing motion to alter the resolution; the commission adopted the moratorium as presented. The commission did not set a specific study process or timeline beyond the two-year effective period in the resolution; staff follow-up and any recommended regulatory changes would be expected during that period.
