Data Center Moratoriums Spread, Judge Clears Project

Cities across the United States are weighing temporary pauses and new rules for data center development amid concerns about energy and water use, pollution, infrastructure, and nearby residents. Charlotte unanimously extended its moratorium until October 2027 while it studies regulations and awaits possible state action; local leaders note that North Carolina law limits their ability to restrict land uses, and some also cite potential jobs and economic benefits. In Pittsburg, California, the council approved a 45-day halt affecting later phases of a contentious project, but residents argue it does not go far enough; Springfield, Missouri, is considering extending its delay and defining data centers by size and power demand, with local businesses warning the proposed definitions could sweep in small telecom facilities. A North Carolina judge, meanwhile, ruled for a developer challenging Chatham County’s 12-month moratorium, allowing its proposed 750-megawatt facility, which is expected to include cryptocurrency mining, to proceed without the county’s new rules.