Apex Town Council Proposes Data Center Moratorium

0:00In Durham, it's March 5, and here's what is going on. A Maryland developer has paused plans for a 300 megawatt data center near APEX in North Carolina. Natelli investments faced heavy pushback from locals, and now says it will only reconsider if the town changes its zoning rules to permit such projects. APEX leaders welcome the news. The mayor stressed how important it was for residents' concerns to be heard. Meanwhile, a town council member plans to propose a one-year moratorium on data centers at a meeting next Tuesday. That would allow time to update land use rules and protect quality of life. Nearby Chatham County already put a 12-month hold-in-place last month. Residents in the New Hill area formed a coalition and campaigned for six months against the project. Group members say they are thrilled their efforts succeeded. Opposition like this is growing across Wake County in North Carolina. Demand for these massive facilities is surging thanks to artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

1:01They promise property tax revenue, but spark worries over noise, appearance, and resource use. For example, a 100 megawatt data center guzzles as much water as 2,600 typical U.S. homes. The developer once called the site ideal, but admitted locals would resist anyway. With more proposals popping up statewide, towns are racing to set firm limits before things move forward. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen. S-O-L-I-SOLIPILO.COM.