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Coalition asks Guilford County planning board and commissioners to pause approvals of new data centers
Summary
Speakers representing Protect Guilford County and allied groups asked the county to pursue a 32‑month moratorium on new hyperscale data centers so planners can study impacts on energy, water and local infrastructure and develop regulations.
Members of a local coalition urged county officials to pause approvals of new hyperscale data‑center projects while the community and planners study impacts on energy, water, noise, air and land use.
Margaret Rowlett, a volunteer with Guilford Clean Power Now and a member of the Protect Guilford County coalition, said the coalition emailed the planning board and asked it to prepare a request to the county commission for a 32‑month pause on new data centers in Guilford County. She listed other North Carolina counties that have adopted moratoria and said the coalition seeks time for public education and ordinance development.
Tom Guthrie, another public commenter, had earlier proposed a 32‑month moratorium to allow study of potential impacts and public input.
Why it matters: Hyperscale data centers can affect county energy demand, water consumption and local land use; a moratorium would pause approvals while staff and the planning board consider regulatory responses.
Quote: "So I urge the commission to pass a 32 month moratorium on approving new data center projects," Tom Guthrie said during public comment.
What’s next: Speakers said they had provided handouts to the board clerk and asked the planning board to convene discussions; the transcript does not show the planning board or commission taking action on the request at this meeting.
