Rowan County, North Carolina has passed a moratorium on new data center development after more than 100 residents appeared at a public meeting to express opposition to the projects. Residents cited concerns about water use, noise from cooling equipment, and strain on the local power grid. The moratorium gives the county time to update zoning rules before additional projects can advance. The action adds Rowan County to a growing list of jurisdictions across Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina enacting temporary construction pauses.