NC House passes bill to crack down on data centers, fast-track nuclear power

North Carolina’s House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 730 on Wednesday, introducing new restrictions on data centers to curb their energy and water consumption. The bill bans local governments from offering incentives to attract data centers, mandates noise pollution controls, and aims to prevent utility bill increases driven by their high power demands. Supporters, including Rep. Matthew Winslow (R-Franklin), argue the legislation ensures data centers contribute fairly to grid costs while maintaining reliability. Opposition emerged from both tech lobbyists and public critics, with some Democrats praising the data center measures but warning of unrelated provisions fast-tracking Duke Energy’s nuclear power plant projects. Rep. Robert Reives (D-Chatham) criticized the bill’s energy provisions, citing overbudget nuclear projects in Georgia and South Carolina as cautionary tales. He urged restraint, stating that future generations could face long-term financial burdens. Republicans dismissed concerns, emphasizing the need for stable power supply after the 2022 Christmas Eve blackout, which left half a million customers without electricity in freezing temperatures. Rep. Dean Arp (R-Union) highlighted the incident as evidence of the risks of power shortages. Meanwhile, Rep. Carla Cunningham (U-Mecklenburg) acknowledged the state’s role in AI-driven data center growth, stating that while opposition exists, these facilities are not going away. The bill’s passage reflects broader tensions in North Carolina over balancing economic growth with environmental and cost concerns. Tech industry groups argue some restrictions go too far, while community advocates demand stronger safeguards against pollution and rising bills. The measure now moves to the Senate, where further debate over its energy and nuclear provisions is expected.