In a recent meeting of the Mooresville Board of Commissioners, a passionate discussion unfolded regarding the environmental impact of data centers. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city hall, community members voiced their concerns about the growing presence of these facilities in Iredell County.

Lynn, a local resident, took the floor to highlight the detrimental effects data centers have on both health and the environment. She argued that these facilities contribute to serious health issues, including asthma and cancer, and emphasized that their development often prioritizes profit over community welfare. “They don’t have our best interest at heart,” she stated, underscoring the disconnect between corporate motives and local needs.

Lynn further elaborated on the environmental consequences, noting that data centers increase carbon footprints and consume vast amounts of energy. She warned that the toxins from their waste could pollute local land and water, threatening biodiversity and even endangering species like the land bees in the area. “Data centers rob consumers of enough energy and water that could supply 50,000 homes for five years,” she asserted, painting a stark picture of resource depletion.

The discussion also touched on the alarming loss of farmland in North Carolina, with over a million acres reportedly lost due to the expansion of data centers and solar panels. Lynn urged the commissioners to take preservation seriously, warning that without action, the region could face further environmental degradation.

As the meeting progressed, the community's concerns echoed through the hall, reflecting a growing awareness of the balance needed between technological advancement and environmental stewardship. The Board of Commissioners now faces the challenge of addressing these pressing issues while considering the future of Mooresville and its surrounding areas.