Data center concerns include increased electricity costs and water usage, plus noise levels and aesthetics. Map: Frank Muraca/N.C. Data Center Newsletter
Why it matters: As developers race to build data centers to meet a growing demand for computing power for artificial intelligence, residents across the country are increasingly trying to limit where they can be built.
Driving the news: Charlotte City Council will discuss data centers at its May 11 meeting.
Some council members want a moratorium on data centers until regulations can be put in place.
Mayor Vi Lyles shot down a motion to hold a public hearing on data centers in a tie-breaking vote Monday night, the Charlotte Observer reported.
"I just don't feel comfortable talking about something without having some research and some information around it, so I am a no," Lyles said.
The other side: "This feels like the wild west right now, and we need some guardrails in place," said councilwoman Dimple Ajmera, who lives near American Tower's proposed center in east Charlotte.
Yes, but: The moratoriums could be tested in the courts and the N.C. General Assembly could always address the matter in its current session.
Chatham County is being sued by a developer over a moratorium it passed.
