North Carolina's Data Center Boom Faces Resistance Amid Energy Concerns
North Carolina has witnessed a surge in data center interest, with Charlotte, Statesville, Maiden, and Lenoir welcoming new facilities. Meanwhile, Amazon plans a $10 billion investment in Richmond County. However, not all proposals have been welcomed, with Tarboro recently rejecting a $6 billion project. Concerns about energy usage and funding have sparked debate among residents.
Data centers, crucial for cloud computing and data storage, demand vast amounts of electricity and water. This has raised eyebrows in North Carolina, where 69% of respondents perceive an increase in extreme weather. A recent poll revealed that only 11% support state funding for energy infrastructure expansion to support data centers.
In Matthews and Apex, a developer withdrew a data center request due to opposition. Tarboro took a similar stance, rejecting a $6 billion, 50-acre facility last month. Despite these setbacks, Amazon is pressing ahead with a $10 billion investment in Richmond County, aiming to boost its data center supply chain.
The future of data centers in North Carolina remains uncertain. While some communities welcome the economic boost, others express concerns about energy usage and funding. The public's stance, reflected in recent polls, may influence future decisions. As Amazon's Richmond County project progresses, the debate on funding and environmental impact continues.
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