August 17, 2026 Commissioners Meeting - Public Hearing: Moratorium on Data Centers

The Alamance County Commissioners held a public hearing on August 17, 2026, primarily focused on the proposed moratorium on AI data centers within the county. Numerous community members, experts, and stakeholders provided extensive testimony addressing concerns about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of data centers, including water usage, power consumption, noise pollution, property values, and infrastructure strain. Many speakers advocated for a moratorium of at least one to two years to allow the county time to develop comprehensive regulations and zoning policies to manage data center development responsibly. The commissioners discussed the legal framework for the moratorium, potential timelines, and the need for public input and expert analysis during the pause. Additionally, the meeting included a consent agenda with grant approvals related to public safety and jail improvements, with commissioners requesting more transparency on these items. The board expressed a commitment to balancing economic development with protecting residents' quality of life and infrastructure.