Data Centers

Expressed support for a moratorium on AI data centers, citing severe water pollution, soaring electricity prices, and minimal local job creation.

Argued that AI data centers become obsolete quickly, do not generate enough tax revenue to offset utility costs, and drive away other tax sources.

Stated that data centers provide almost no ongoing jobs after construction and create constant noise pollution for nearby residents.

Spoke on behalf of an ECU art student about the massive water consumption of data centers and the creative harms of AI.

Shared experiences from Edgecombe County where commissioners enacted a data center moratorium and urged Pitt County to follow suit.

Stressed the importance of protecting Pitt County waterways from data center pollution and called for the removal of Flock cameras.

A 10-year-old resident spoke in favor of protecting her privacy by removing Flock cameras and preserving community water supplies.

Co-chair of the Pitt County Coalition Against Racism praised youth speakers and urged commissioners to use local ordinances to restrict data centers.

Expressed concern over data centers and private Flock cameras popping up in residential yards, suggesting higher taxes on the wealthy instead.

Presented statistics on national data center growth and acreage, warning of noise and light pollution harming local wildlife.

Argued against data centers on environmental and surveillance grounds, and expressed concern over immigration enforcement and over-policing in the Latino community.

Read a statement from her partner urging the board to kill the computer, support the moratorium, and invest in community instead.