US Local Governments Enact Data Center Moratoriums Over Resource Concerns

Local governments across the United States are implementing moratoriums on data center development to address concerns over energy consumption, water usage, and noise pollution. The Louisville Metro Council approved a six-month pause on Thursday, passing the measure 24-1. The council also passed an amendment to prevent existing buildings from being re-zoned for data center use while officials study the economic and environmental impacts of hyperscale facilities.

In Florida, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on all new data centers regardless of size. This action follows the passage of Florida Senate Bill 484, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which empowers local governments to regulate these facilities. The move comes amid local controversy in nearby Palm Coast, where the city government and DC Blox secretly planned a cable-landing station.

North Carolina municipalities are also pursuing restrictions. The city of Charlotte scheduled six public meetings for September to gather community input on a potential moratorium. Meanwhile, the Greensboro City Council is weighing a 120-day pause for facilities exceeding 10 megawatts, while Alamance and Yadkin counties are considering moratoriums of six months and one year, respectively.