New group forms to oppose AI data centers in Burke, Catawba

Data centers are becoming more common, and for the “Stop AI Data Centers in Burke & Catawba County” Facebook group — whose members have begun attending local governmental meetings — that’s a major environmental concern.

Unease about the growing number of data centers in the region was recently revived when DigiPower X purchased 21 acres near a 19.5-acre tract of land it already owned in Hildebran.

The company builds advanced data centers that power artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and other large-scale business technology needs.

Although a proposal has not yet crossed Hildebran’s planning and zoning desk, DigiPower X’s website shows the company is planning to build an AI data center in Hildebran near a large Duke Energy substation, a shift from its original plan for a cryptocurrency mining data center.

About 10 people came to last month’s Burke County Board of Commissioners regular meeting, concerned about data centers across the region.

Two people spoke during public comments. One of them was Belinda Cline.

Cline’s concerns are centered on her children, and the world they will inherit.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Jeff Brittain said that, normally, the board does not respond to public comments.

“Hildebran, of course, has their own planning and zoning commissions and board, and so we — this board — will not have a say in their process, per se, but we do appreciate your comments here tonight,” Brittain said.

DigiPower X’s property is within Hildebran town limits, meaning any motion on the proposed AI data center will begin at the municipal level.

FOLLOW-UP CONVERSATION

After the meeting, Cline discussed her concerns and the anti-data centers Facebook group she created about a month ago.

The group’s end goal is a statewide moratorium to pause the creation of data centers, but the first step is approaching county and municipal governments.

“What we know about AI data centers should concern every citizen, regardless of anything else,” Cline said. “Any of your other beliefs really should be put aside.”

Cline said data centers consume massive amounts of water and electricity — plus, the area is in a major drought and Duke Energy is attempting to raise its electricity rates. Those factors don’t mix well. Data centers can also cause significant damage to the environment, she said.

“There are things we can do to undo some of the damage, (but) we certainly can prevent more damage,” Cline said.

Cline said she believes some public officials — from the state level down to the local level — were “not given the full truth” about data centers. She also said some Hildebran Town Council members are opposed to the potential data center.

Hildebran Town Councilwoman Jody York was at the Burke County Commissioners meeting where Cline spoke against data centers. She did not speak during public comments but said after the meeting she was there to support Hildebran residents. York opposes DigiPower X’s plans.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATA CENTERS

Cline said people often point out that everyone uses data and it must be stored somewhere. Her issue is more specifically with AI data centers.

“AI seemed fun at first, but we didn’t ask for AI. We all need data centers … we run off of data,” Cline said. “Data centers may be a nuisance, but AI data centers are a terrorist on the community. The electricity, the water, the noise, the land that they’re using; it’s rural land. It’s a snowball effect on our environment.”

Data centers are classified in tiers. Tier I consists of basic infrastructure. Tier IV, the last tier, consists of multiple distribution paths for power and cooling. A Tier I data center offers about 99.7% availability, meaning it is expected to be down for about 28.8 hours each year. Tier IV data centers are expected to be down for less than 30 minutes each year.

“The most important thing that keeps me going is the effect this is going to have on my children, and everybody’s children,” Cline said.

NEXT STEPS

Cline and members of the Stop AI Data Centers in Burke & Catawba County group will continue appearing at local government meetings in the region.

Eventually, Cline said she hopes to organize a rally, but there is not yet a time or place planned.