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Volunteer Report: Fracking Rules, Comment by Nov 9!
Guest Report. Not One Step Back: North Carolina’s Fracking Rules Are Under Review — Make Your Voice Heard by November 9 For the first time in a decade, every rule governing oil and gas drilling in North Carolina is up for public review. Right now, a public comment period is open where you can weigh in on whether NC’s fracking rules are “necessary” or “unnecessary”. These rules are VERY necessary. We can’t afford to have NC’s fracking rules weakened in any way! This is the moment to put your stake in the ground. Here is the part that matters most: the Commission’s initial determination is that every single 05H rule is necessary. That sounds like good news, and it is — as far as it goes. But this review is only the first step. Rules classified as necessary move into readoption: a full rulemaking in which any rule can be amended, weakened, or rewritten. Read the full report! Full report by Dr. Temitope Soneye How to Submit your Comment + Sign the Petition! The NC Oil & Gas Commissioners are the regulators who write our state rules on fracking. Over 10 years ago, thousands of North Carolinians from across the state weighed in on fracking before these rules were put into place. While passing a complete ban on fracking wasn’t realistic with the veto-proof legislative majority favoring fracking, these rules are stronger than in many other states. North Carolina is still frack free. This is most likely due in large part to our strong rules. At least one Commissioner has stated an intention to weaken the rules, to make them more similar to states like Pennsylvania, which have “lots of (fracking) activity”. How to submit your comment! 1.) Email: OilandGas@deq.nc.gov 2.) Put this in the subject line (so they know which rules you are commenting on): 15A NCAC 05H 3.) In your comment, say that all the fracking rules are necessary! 4.) Add why you personally care about this & send! Then, sign the petition!!!
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Vote Against NC Tax Amendments
Falls Lake, a public water supply, at a low level during the drought this summer. If amendments 2 & 3 pass, big water users like Duke Energy & data centers will receive the biggest tax cuts. Concerned About Data Centers? How about High Prices? This November, North Carolinians will vote on two constitutional amendments related to taxes. These amendments (Income and Tax) are written to sound like regular NC voters would get a tax break. In reality, the amendments would hand corporations the biggest tax cuts. Property Tax Amendment: Restricts local governments’ power to decide property-tax rates. Income Tax Amendment: Would cap the income tax rate at 3.5%, locking in recent tax cuts for the highest earners. If passed, these amendments could devastate local budgets for schools or emergency services. They could also increase data center approvals, potentially harming local water supplies. Learn more below. Vote AGAINST the amendments! Spread the Word! Tax Amendments fact sheet- Quarter Page Tax Amendments fact sheet- Full Page Upcoming Events, Ways to Take Action Sign the pledge to vote AGAINST the amendments: NC VOTE AGAINST | Protect North Carolina Poll Greeting Training- Vote Against the Amendments! Online Trainings Tue, Oct 20, 7:00pm–8:30pm OR Tue, Oct 27, 7:00pm–8:30pm RSVP here An interactive, online training to learn how to talk to voters at the polls about the amendments. You’ll receive key information about the amendments themselves and why they are a bad deal for North Carolina, followed by practice conversations for how to connect with and persuade voters at the polls – right before they enter the voting booth. Provided by NC By The People in collaboration with Fund the Future. Upcoming Press Conferences from Communities calling on a 2-year data center statewide moratorium + education on the tax amendments Richmond County Residents Join Call for State Data Center Moratorium, the threat of data centers to black cemeteries Oct 21, 12pm St. Stephen’s Church 434 St. Stevens Church Rd. Rockingham, NC 28379 Durham Residents and workers call for State Data Center Moratorium & to Vote Against Amendments That Could Increase Data Centers Oct 21, 12:30pm CCB Plaza 201 N. Corcoran St. Durham, NC 27701 Asheville Residents Call for State Data Center Moratorium Oct 23, 1pm Pack Square 80 Court Plaza. Asheville, NC 28801 Where do my candidates stand on data center issues? The NC AI-Data Center Accountability Network has a non-partisan candidate questionnaire on data centers. If your local candidates haven’t fill it out, ask them to! Email or call your candidates in your district and ask them to fill out this questionnaire on their policy positions on AI data centers in NC to provide voters with information. Don’t know who your candidates are? Find their information here. If you have any questions, please email ncdatacenternetwork@ncejn.org Find your candidates here: Contact Information – Candidate Questionnaire: AI Data Centers – Google Sheets We’ll add a link with all the candidate responses to the questionnaire soon, so you can see where your candidates stand. What could happen if the tax amendments pass? Local governments could lose up to $18 billion per year in state funding and struggle to fund basic services. Data centers could increase. Desperate local governments would feel even more pressure to approve polluting projects, in a quest to replace lost tax revenue. Corporations would get the biggest tax cuts. Duke Energy could save $10 million in property taxes. (The average homeowner would only save $7 a month.) Sales tax, fines & fees go up- with corporations skipping out on taxes, local governments will have two choices: raise sales tax, fines & fees, or approve big projects like data centers. Vote AGAINST the amendments!Here is how the amendments are worded on your ballot.
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No Data Center in Stokes County- Updates Below!
Project Delta Site Plan (New application) Proposed Data Center in Stokes County (UPDATES BELOW) Background: Engineered Land Solutions is a development company that wants to put a data center on a more than 1,800-acre plot of land in Walnut Cove. This project was previously named Project Delta, which was approved on Jan 12, 2026. The rezoning approval was then withdrawn after a community lawsuit filed by SCSJ and SELC. On September 14, 2026, Project Delta was approved by the County Commissioners. View recording here However, the fight is not over! Next steps are ensuring permitting decisions are carried out properly. Where would it be? 1800 acres of land on the Dan River, where highway 311 crosses the Dan. Property next to Belews Creek coal plant. Developer’s website for the data center: projectdeltanc.com Sign petition ‘Stop the Hyperscale Data Center Rezoning in Stokes County’ created by Stokes Community member. Donate to The Stokes County Strong, Data Center Wrong! community group! Why are Stokes County residents concerned? This data center is a threat to local history and heritage, it would be on land that was Upper Saura Town and that has a historic home of the Hairston family. The Saura site is also culturally relevant to the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. This data center is SPECULATIVE there is no tech company lined up to buy or use this data center, no guarantee this investment pans out. Many economists are warning of an AI bubble, what happens to this project if the bubble pops before they are through? The data center would run on methane gas generators while they wait in line to connect to Duke Energy’s grid… unclear how long! Generators are loud and pollute the air. Data centers don’t employ many people long term and are one reason electric bills are rising 2x faster than inflation. This data center would be on the banks of the Dan River, construction could cause pollution of the Dan. This data center does not align with the Stokes County 2035 Land Use Plan, which designates this area for low-density residential use and conservation, not large-scale industrial development. (pg. 81) Project Delta Application + Supporting Materials All materials and rezoning application are housed here Conditional rezoning application Zoning Conditions Buffer Zone Exhibit Site Plan Public Information Meeting Report Map County Updates: Planning Board + Board of Commissioners On July 15, 2026, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners voted against the proposed six-month moratorium in a 3-2 vote and approved all text amendments for how data centers will be regulated in Stokes County moving forward. While these decisions changed the path moving forward, it’s still crucial to stay involved in organizing. On July 21, 2026, Developer Engineered Land Solutions submitted its new rezoning application. On August 13, 2026, the Stokes Planning Board voted 5-2 to deny Data Center rezoning in Walnut Cove. Next, the County Commissioners will have a final vote on the rezoning for Project Delta. It is crucial to attend all Stokes Commissioners’ meetings moving forward! The hearing date is not yet set. On September 14, 2026, Project Delta was approved by the Stokes County Commissioners. Stokes Community members are asking the County Commissioners to: Deny the rezoning request for Project Delta Data Center! Partnership with community members and DFC Stokes LLC to come together on a more stable and sustainable use for the land currently under consideration for rezoning. This land is important to Stokes County’s history, the Saura People, the Hairston and Sally Blagg descendants, and for protecting the Dan River. Questions? Email erika@cwfnc.org Spread the Word! Resources to educate your neighbors: Detailed Flyer with talking points: (detailed)Stokes Data Center Project Delta Handout (1) Simplified Flyer:(Simplified) – Stokes Data Center Handout. Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina – Clean Water for North Carolina Stokes County Economic Action Plan Stokes County 2035 Vision Plan Share information on social media: Local Facebook group that encourages public participation and conversation regarding proposed data center: Stokes County Character Preservation Local Facebook group that shares research, updates, and official information about the proposed data center project in Stokes County: Stokes County Strong, Data Center Wrong Sign petition created by Stokes Community member. Sign here (Created by Community Member) Print petition here: Petition Stokes Co
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No Data Centers in Northampton County!
Belinda Joyner, our Northeastern organizer, with other community members at the April 1, 2026, commissioners meeting. No data centers in Northampton County. Residents of Northampton County want transparency and answers on whether or not a proposed data center would come to the county. On April 1st, Community members showed up to express concern, but the momentum must keep going! Now, residents are preparing for the next county commissioners meeting on May 4 at 6pm. At this meeting, there is a strong chance of having a discussion on a potential data center moratorium. Northampton County, show up! May 4 Commissioners’ Meeting , Register here! Why are Northampton County residents concerned? Northampton county already deals with other industrial pollution that affects our health and environment. Data centers often run on methane gas generators. Generators are loud and pollute the air. Data centers don’t employ many people long term and are one reason electric bills are rising 2x faster than inflation. Northampton County residents want economic growth and guide development to the right places. Sign petition below! What are local residents asking Northampton County Commissioners to do? To adopt a moratorium on data centers in Northampton County of at least 1 year, with a goal of a 32- month moratorium. This would give the county time to study their impacts and have strong public engagement on whether data centers are truly needed for Northampton County. This pause (moratorium) will help protect County residents while we plan for growth, understand costs to the County, and guide development to the right places. More transparency with Northampton residents on future proposed development projects. Spread the Word Share information on social media + Sign the Petition: Share May 4 County commissioners meeting: At this meeting, there is a strong chance of having a discussion on a potential data center moratorium. Share FB event Sign petition asking Northampton Commissioners for a data center moratorium!
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Person County Residents Demand Answers from Microsoft
A photo of Microsoft's plans for 4 data centers where Country Club Rd. is closed off. Microsoft shared this as an exhibit at their info session in summer 2026.A photo of where Country Club Rd is closed. The road was closed without sharing with the community the true reason why: Microsoft's plans for four data centers.Microsoft & Person County Announce Data Center Plans: Why Community Members are Concerned Microsoft bought the Person County mega-site in 2024. For over a year, Person County officials and Microsoft did not share what their plans were. The uncertainty created concerns among local residents and a fear that decisions which will impact resident’s lives are being made without transparency. In February, 2026, Microsoft & Person County announced the following, “Microsoft purchased 1,350 acres of land in Person County and plans to begin the permitting process for data center development later this year. Data center projects are highly complex and typically span several years, requiring careful planning, design, and close collaboration with the county, local partners, and the community.” Data centers create a lot of concerns for local communities. They are huge warehouses that employ few people, but use a lot of electricity and water resources. They cause air pollution, noise pollution, and can contribute to water pollution. Since Microsoft says they want to collaborate with the community, Person County residents came together and wrote a letter with a set of questions for Microsoft, that have yet to be answered. Recent Updates After community push back, Microsoft & Person County encouraged folks to check a new blog they created for the Person County site for updates. You can send your questions (and thoughts!) to the email Microsoft has created PersonDC@microsoft.com or leave a message at 980-776-2251. In May 2026, The Assembly published: The Data Center That Didn’t Exist, which described how Person County commissioners and Microsoft hid that a planned data center was the true reason for closing Country Club Road. Other major concerns highlighted in this article: the county was searching for taxpayer funded grants for sewer upgrades for the site. In June 2026, Microsoft held a community meeting at Piedmont Community College. They shared a picture of their plans for the site. What You Can Do Sign the letter!: Person County Needs Answers from Microsoft You can always email your thoughts on this to Person County commissioners or Roxboro City Council. You can send your questions (and thoughts!) to the email Microsoft has created PersonDC@microsoft.com or leave a message at 980-776-2251 Upcoming Events Stay tuned! Data Center Concerns Microsoft plans to construct a data center. The data center boom in North Carolina is being driven by companies investing in artificial intelligence tools. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI performs complex tasks normally handled by humans. Data centers employ very few people and can even take jobs away. Learn more in our new report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Center Boom in NC Data center investments are risky. Financial experts are starting to warn of an AI bubble, similar to the dot com crash in the 2000s, or the 2008 crash of the housing market. It seems like the bubble is still inflating, and developers are still proposing data centers anywhere they can . There is a risk of overbuilding, and data centers being abandoned when the bubble pops or new, more efficient technology is adopted. They consume tons of energy and strain local water supplies. Backup generators release harmful chemicals into the air that can harm heart and lung health.. Data centers are LOUD, run 24/7, and range from 55-85 decibels (vacuum cleaner or lawn mower). High electric bills. Rising electricity costs are linked to new infrastructure needed for AI data centers, contributing to electricity bills increasing 2x faster than inflation. Spread the Word! Share information on social media: Follow us on Facebook for events you can share Instagram: follow us @cleanwaternc for updates! Share the letter: Person County Needs Answers from Microsoft Resources to educate neighbors: Microsoft’s Person County blog– Microsoft says they will share updates here, although the community meeting was not shared and there are no updates since April 2026. Flyer + talking points from the electricity rate hike hearing in Roxboro. Useful info on Microsoft’s impact on electric bills. New Report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina Article on Person County residents’ quest for answers from WRAL The Data Center that Didn’t Exist– The Assembly article on the non-disclosure agreement between Person County & Microsoft for this site. Check out the basic map below, showing the location of the future Microsoft Data Center
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Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina
Sanford, NC- Clean Water for North Carolina is releasing a new report ahead of a key presentation in Lee County, where a developer wants to open a commercial gas well to power an AI data center. Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina explores the economic conditions that brought about this proposal and the potential impact on North Carolina and Lee County. This report comes a few days before the Lee County Board of Commissioners’ March 16 meeting, where they will hear a presentation on the county’s options for regulating data centers and crypto-mining. The presentation comes after months of local residents raising their voices in opposition to a controversial proposal from Deep River Data. Deep River Data wants to power an artificial intelligence (AI) data center with gas from Butler Well #3 in Lee County. The proposal has drawn criticism from local residents, business owners, and clean water advocates. Community members will hold a press conference at 5:00pm to share their concerns before the county commissioners meeting at 6pm on Monday. Butler Well #3 is located near the Lee-Chatham county line, south of U.S. Highway 421, close to Cumnock & Sanford, NC. It is unlikely this well will produce any usable amount of gas without hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). Fracking has never been used in North Carolina. Sheila Sherrick, a Lee County resident whose home and goat farm rely on her private well, said, “I can’t afford to have a poisoned well. I need clean water for me, my family, and my animals.” “Drinking water for municipalities from Sanford to Wilmington comes from the Deep and Cape Fear Rivers. This means that thousands of families, businesses, schools, institutions, Ft. Bragg; all, have the potential of contaminated water from fracking and data center development on the Deep River which flows into the Cape Fear. A moratorium is needed for time for more research and development of safer and cleaner solutions for the management of these two dirty industries.” said Donna Strickland, a Lee County resident. Hope Taylor, executive director of Clean Water for North Carolina, said, “Residents are right to be concerned about the potential impact of a proposed data center, given the large volume of water that would be required for cooling. That section of the Deep River sits over the Triassic Basin, and according to the US Geological Survey, These formations have poor drainage and low permeability, which significantly limits the ability of the ground to store and release water to the river during dry periods.” In addition to water issues, local businesses, clergy members, and newer residents expressed concerns about the economic impacts of this proposal. Steph Gans, assistant director of Clean Water for North Carolina, described the risks, “Most people who hear that a company wants to open a commercial gas well, purely to power an AI data center, are shocked. This idea is only possible in our current economic environment, where investors are willing to risk it all on AI, with no clear path to turning a profit on AI services. Our new report describes these and other issues with Deep River Data’s proposal. Eventually, the bubble will burst, leaving AI data centers that rely on inefficient chips and expensive fuels as stranded assets. A moratorium gives the county time to assess what regulations would protect the community.” Deep River Data initially expressed interest in applying to drill last year, but did not file an application. Then, in the beginning of February, 2026, Deep River Data emailed the NC Oil and Gas Commission. They asked questions to help them complete their application, and wrote, “We’re excited to be moving full steam ahead.” Therese Vick, sustainable development coordinator at Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, shared this in response, “Lee County is being forced into a high-stakes experiment where the community bears all the risk, and the industry takes all the profit. To combine the massive power demands of an AI data center with the known dangers of fracking is to design a failure that Lee County will be paying for long after the data centers go dark.” Stephanie Stephens, the Deep River Riverkeeper, said, ““The Deep River is a direct drinking water source for 345,000 people and the source of Sanford’s drinking water. Approving a data center, powered by natural gas drilled from the Cumnock Shale basin underneath the Deep River threatens safe drinking water. We ask that the Commissioners pass a moratorium on Data Centers and Crypto-mining for Lee County so that permanent decisions made can be made with great consideration as to the best use of land space and for the well being of the community already living in the region.” Emily Sutton, Haw Riverkeeper and executive director at Haw River Assembly added, “North Carolina does not have permitting provisions and environmental regulations to ensure that data centers do not harm our communities or the air, water, and forests we depend on. We are asking counties to put moratoriums in place until our policy makers can adopt protective guardrails to regulate this industry.” ### About Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) BREDL advocates grassroots involvement to empower whole communities in environmental issues. BREDL functions as a “watchdog” of the environment, monitoring issues and holding government officials accountable for their actions. BREDL networks with citizen groups and agencies, collecting and disseminating accurate & timely information. BREDL sets standards for environmental quality & awards individuals & agencies who uphold these standards in practice. bredl.org About Clean Water for North Carolina Clean Water for North Carolina is a non-profit promoting clean, safe water and environments and empowered, just communities for all North Carolinians through outreach, advocacy, education, and technical assistance. cwfnc.org About Deep River Riverkeeper Deep River Riverkeeper’s mission is To protect the Deep River and it’s neighbors through science, education and stewardship. We do this through projects and programs that include public participation. We advocate for and work to ensure the Deep River’s well-being as a vital, healthy, life sustaining source for all. deepriverkeepersnc.org About Haw River Assembly Haw River Assembly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1982 to restore and protect the Haw River and Jordan Lake, and to build a watershed community that shares this vision. Our goals are to promote environmental education, conservation and pollution prevention; to speak as a voice for the river in the public arena; and to put into peoples’ hands the tools and the knowledge they need to be effective guardians of the river. hawriver.org
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Lee County: No Fracking Data Center
Simpson well in lee county A photo of the Simpson well in Lee County, also now abandoned. Butler Well #3 is in the same county, and is abandoned, at least for now. Developers Want to Extract Gas for an AI Data Center in Lee County: Why Community Members are Concerned Deep River Data wants to power an AI data center with gas from Butler Well #3 in Lee County. A North Carolina journalist, Lisa Sorg, reported on this plan in November, 2025: A Company Eyes What Would Be North Carolina’s First Commercial Natural Gas Well. Butler Well #3 is located near the Lee-Chatham county line, south of U.S. Highway 421, close to Cumnock & Sanford, NC. It is unlikely this well will produce any usable amount of gas without hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). Fracking has never been used in North Carolina. Deep River Data’s goal is to open up the gas well, and use the methane gas extracted on-site to power an AI data center. Right now, they are working on submitting an application to the NC Oil & Gas Commission, in order to do that. The risk is real. This project would pose serious threats to our drinking water wells, the Deep River, and our children’s health. The air pollution from gas drilling, fracking, refining that gas, and burning it 24/7 in gas generators to power a data center would harm local residents’ health. UPDATE: Sanford is holding a public hearing on a set of rules for data centers… and they could VOTE to approve these rules on Tuesday 4/21. Sanford City residents shouldn’t be rushed into a set of rules, that haven’t had enough community input. The city and county have the power to hit the pause button with a moratorium, and have a thoughtful transparent process with citizen input and more time for regulations to develop…. but that isn’t what is currently happening. Ask the Lee County Commissioners & Sanford for a Moratorium on Data Centers & Fracking! Sign the petition!: Lee County & Sanford: Pass a Moratorium on Fracking & Data Centers Come to the April 21 Sanford City Council Hearing on Data Center Rules – Sanford is holding a public hearing on a set of rules for data centers… and they could VOTE to approve these rules the same night. Click here for talking points! One big reason to pass a moratorium right now, is that there is bipartisan support for removing NC’s data center tax exemption. Cities or counties could miss out on revenue on projects that start before that sale tax exemption is fixed! That is money our local government should get to offset the cost of data centers on our communities. A moratorium gives Sanford time to make sure that any data center that comes… is paying its fair share in taxes! Join your neighbors in calling on the city & county to pass a moratorium on data centers! THERE COULD BE A VOTE ON THE DATA CENTER RULES…. (without a fracking moratorium)… THIS NIGHT. IF THERE WERE ONE MEETING TO GO TO… IT IS THIS ONE!!! Speaker sign up is from 5-5:50pm (here are talking points for your comment!) Hearing is at 6pm. The night before, April 20 at 6pm at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center (1801 Nash St. Sanford), is the Lee County Commissioners Meeting. Come and ask them, “where is the moratorium on data centers and fracking you voted to draft in March?” We still haven’t seen it. Since November, Deep River Data continues to work on their application. Their continued communication with the state geologist was confirmed at the February 3 NC Oil & Gas Commission meeting The county doesn’t need to wait for the application to come in to act. The best time to protect Lee County residents from fracking, drilling, and a data center, is now. You can always email your comments to the county commissioners or Sanford City Council Upcoming Events April 20 at 6pm at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center (1801 Nash St. Sanford), is the Lee County Commissioners Meeting. Come and ask them, “where is the moratorium on data centers and fracking you voted to draft in March?” We still haven’t seen it. April 21 Sanford City Council Hearing on Data Center Rules – 5pm-225 E. Weatherspoon Street, Sanford. (Sign up to speak 5-5:50pm, hearing at 6pm). Sanford is holding a public hearing on a set of rules for data centers… and they could VOTE to approve these rules the same night. If there is one meeting to come to IT IS THIS ONE! Ask for a moratorium, instead of rules written without a real chance for public input or transparency. RSVP here. Share the Facebook event or on Instagram. Remember that there is still construction on Weatherspoon St, so give yourself time for the detour. Spread the Word! Share information on social media: Follow us on Facebook for events you can share Share the Facebook event for the April 21 hearing! Instagram: follow us @cleanwaternc for updates! Share the Instagram post for the April 21 hearing! Share the petition: Lee County & Sanford: Pass a Moratorium on Data Centers & Fracking Resources to educate neighbors: NEW: Talking Points for Sanford City Council Data Center Public Hearing & Vote on 4/21 Flyer with fracking talking points: Lee County No Fracking Data Center Talking Points New Report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina Article that broke this story: A Company Eyes What Would Be North Carolina’s First Commercial Natural Gas Well. Learn how to use Lee County’s interactive map to see what data they have on mineral rights for your property (it may not be up to date!) Data Center Concerns Deep River Data plans to construct a data center to power AI facilities that house servers for data storage and application operation. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI performs complex tasks normally handled by humans. Data centers employ very few people and can even take jobs away. For example, HM Tech, the company that owns Deep River Data, has a data center in Graham, NC in Alamance County. This data center uses 11 megawatts of power and the warehouses for its servers cover 60,000 square feet. It only employs 10 people. Data center investments are risky. Experts are starting to warn of an AI bubble, similar to the dot com crash in the 2000s, or the 2008 crash of the housing market. It seems like the bubble is still inflating, and developers are still proposing data centers anywhere they can . There is a risk of overbuilding, and data centers being abandoned when the bubble pops or new, more efficient technology is adopted. Learn more from our new report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Center Boom in NC They consume tons of energy and strain local water supplies. Backup generators release harmful chemicals into the air that can harm heart and lung health.. Data centers are LOUD, run 24/7, and range from 55-85 decibels (vacuum cleaner or lawn mower). High electric bills. Rising electricity costs are linked to new infrastructure needed for AI data centers, contributing to electricity bills increasing 2x faster than inflation. Why is Lee County an even riskier place to frack or drill? The underground gas in Lee County is very close to the groundwater. The gas well in question is about 2,700 feet deep. The shale formations fracked in Pennsylvania are much deeper. They range from 8.500 feet- to over 12,000 feet below the ground. The groundwater in Lee County is deep – up to 1,000 feet. Fractures are known to travel up to 2,000 feet – greater than the distance between the gas and the groundwater in Lee County. The cracks in this shale, caused by fracking, are large enough to connect the gas & contaminate our groundwater. About Fracking & Drilling What is fracking? Fracking drills deep underground vertically and then horizontally. Toxic chemicals mixed with water, used at high pressures to crack underground shale, frees the gas trapped within. Drilling and fracking can release harmful chemicals into the air affecting health, linked to early death, pregnancy issues, cancer, and respiratory and heart problems. Conventional drilling can potentially contaminate groundwater with methane and pollutants if it cracks underground rock. Methane can dissolve harmful metals like arsenic and iron, making well water unsafe to drink. Fracking can pollute rivers and other water bodies on the surface. Flowback water or spills of chemicals can get into surface water (like the Deep River!) The injection of wastewater underground has been linked to induced seismic activity, including micro-earthquakes. Children living near fracking wells are more likely to get certain cancers like leukemia & lymphoma.
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Global Ramifications, Local Impact – Microsoft’s AI Pollution Footprint
Read the Report! Global Ramifications, Local Impact – Microsoft’s AI Pollution FootprintOur friends at STAND have released a new report looking Microsoft's AI pollution footprint. Clean Water for North Carolina was glad to help out, by highlighting the impact that Microsoft has on the type of energy we use in North Carolina. Microsoft’s North American AI data center build-out is set to drive a massive 600% increase in the company’s energy demand. What will that mean for states like North Carolina? Microsoft's hunger for electricity is being used as a justification to build expensive methane gas power plants and pipelines. Check out the North Carolina case study in this report to learn how. Read the Report! Key findings 1. In North America, electricity demand from Microsoft data centers is expected to increase over 600% from 2024 levels by 2030. That’s enough to power nearly 10 million U.S. households for a year – or almost the entire electricity consumption of the entire New England region. If this demand is met by fossil fuels, both local and climate pollution will skyrocket. 2. In the U.S., most states where Microsoft data centers are located rely on grid electricity that is ≥50% fossil fuel generated. Microsoft’s investment into PPAs is laudable, but many projects are located in areas far away from its data centers and these projects do not exclusively provide renewable energy. This indicates, despite claims of matching 100% of its electricity demand with renewable purchases by 2025, the data centers themselves are still dependent on fossil fuels. 3. Microsoft’s data center emissions (scope 1 and 2) reached over 7.87 million metric tons CO2e globally in FY23 – equivalent to more than the annual climate pollution generated by the state of Vermont. This report finds that 95.68% of Microsoft’s global operational emissions in FY23 were from data centers, which drives the company’s rising climate pollution. The company’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) increased by 55.38% between FY2013 and FY24 showing an ongoing upward trend.14 4. Obfuscated colocation data means the total impacts of Microsoft’s data centers are likely even higher than reported or projected. Like many big tech companies, Microsoft outsources much of its data center needs to third-party, colocation facilities. As of June 2024, Microsoft had the largest share of pre-leased capacity in colocation data centers – more than the other four major hyperscalers combined.15 By not clearly disclosing the energy consumed and emissions generated by its outsourced data services, Microsoft is not revealing the full extent of its climate and local pollution impacts. 5. Increased demand for energy leads to new fossil fuel facilities being built or existing ones staying online longer. Often this can occur in communities already suffering from high amounts of pollution, like the small community of Person County, North Carolina. The sheer scale of Microsoft’s AI data center buildout may have global implications for the climate, but it also comes with serious impacts for local communities. Additionally, these data centers contribute to higher electricity rates and raise concerns over water supply in the regions where they are clustered. The findings exemplify a clear connection between AI development and fossil fuel build out, a concerning lack of transparency into data center energy consumption and sourcing, and serious shortcomings in Microsoft’s community benefit practices. Take ActionTell Microsoft to act like a climate leader Microsoft has a history of being a climate leader, but the AI data center boom is throwing that all off track. Our new research1 shows that not only are most Microsoft data centers located in states with grid electricity that is ≥50% fossil fuel generated – but fossil fuel lobbyists are using new Microsoft data centers as evidence that we need to build out even more fossil fuel infrastructure. With Microsoft’s data center energy demand set to equal that of the entire New England region by 2030, the company has a choice – does it want to be a climate leader or does it want to fan the flames of the crisis? STAND is calling on Microsoft to ensure its new AI data centers are powered by local, 24/7, additional renewable energy, and provide substantial benefits for the surrounding community. Add your voice, sign the petition today! Sign the Petition!
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PRESS RELEASE: New Maps Show Transco & Other Proposed Pipelines’ Threat to Drinking Water in North Carolina and Virginia
CONTACT Stephanie Gans, Assistant Director, steph@cwfnc.org Kernersville, N.C. — On Wednesday, August 27, Clean Water for North Carolina released new, interactive maps highlighting drinking water sources threatened by three proposed methane gas pipelines in North Carolina and Virginia. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company’s proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) Pipeline, crossing through densely populated areas in Guilford and Forsyth Counties, poses the greatest threat to NC drinking water of the three. These maps provide the public with valuable information ahead of public hearings on whether the state should approve SSEP’s 401 water quality certification application. North Carolinians and Virginians near any of the proposed routes can use the maps to identify if their drinking water source is at risk of contamination due to pipeline impacts. SSEP Pipeline is a proposed 42-inch diameter high-pressure, methane gas pipeline. It would cross multiple states, starting in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and out to Coosa County, Alabama. 28.4 miles of new pipe are proposed for North Carolina in Rockingham, Guilford, Forsyth, and Davidson counties. It would require the expansion of two gas-fired compressor stations in Iredell and Davidson counties, which would produce air pollution. SSEP’s proposed route puts it close to existing Transco pipelines. In Rockingham County, the pipeline would follow closely along the proposed route for Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate, crossing many of the same waterways, also magnifying the potential for impacts to groundwater. The proposal to install multiple high-pressure, large-diameter pipelines on similar routes has inspired vocal opposition at public hearings. Guilford County passed a resolution citing safety concerns in response. The town of Midway passed a resolution of opposition in May. Community members facing further land seizure by Transco for the SSEP, have expressed skepticism of their safety record and water pollution controls. “I have lived with the three despicable Transco pipelines running through my farm and community for over 60 years. Now, Transco wants to install a fourth pipeline referred to as SSEP.” said, Ron Ray, a resident of Guilford County, “Beaver Creek runs over the pipelines on my farm and has always been a potential source of contamination for water running into the creek, rivers, and waters on to the Atlantic Ocean. The SSEP construction will certainly cause damage to these waterways during construction and increase the risks of severe damage for generations to come. I plead that this project be not permitted for the sake of the health and safety of future generations.” Pollution from pipeline construction or leaks during operation can harm rivers, streams, public water supplies, and private wells all along the route. The pipelines are proposed near communities that have already suffered groundwater contamination from coal ash, in order to supply new gas turbines proposed by Duke Energy in Person and Catawba Counties. “We released these maps to empower residents with information that often stays buried in long permit applications. That way, we can act to protect our communities. Private well users within 1000ft of the proposed pipelines are at risk of contamination of their groundwater or even a decrease in water supply. These maps can help them identify if their wells are at risk.” said Steph Gans, Assistant Director of Clean Water for North Carolina, “Clean water is not the only thing on the line. These pipelines would supply new power plants adding to unhealthy air in communities. They will increase already high gas and electric bills. They threaten drinking water supplies, which could raise water bills. Using methane will worsen climate change, which caused damaging storms like Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Chantal. Both storms imposed huge costs on local water utilities and left North Carolinians without clean drinking water for days or weeks.” The maps show the threat to beloved local waterways across three watersheds: the Roanoke, Cape Fear, and Yadkin-Pee Dee. SSEP would cross the headwaters of the Haw River and the Dan River, which are sources of drinking water for NC communities. They show public water supplies from groundwater, some of which are perilously close to the SSEP pipeline’s route. “Projects like this create irreparable damage on our sensitive aquatic ecosystems and pose serious risks for downstream communities that depend on our rivers and streams for drinking water supplies.” said Emily Sutton, Haw Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Haw River Assembly, “These maps help us to demonstrate the unavoidable damage the SSEP project would cause if these permits are approved. This is the opportunity for our communities to show up and have their voices heard to oppose this unnecessary pipeline.” On Thursday, September 4 at 4:30pm, community members and grassroots organizations will hold: No SSEP! Rally to Protect Water in Harmon Park at 152 South Main Street, Kernersville, NC. The rally will take place before a public hearing on SSEP’s water quality certification application held by the NC Department of Environmental Quality. The hearing starts at 6 p.m. in the Kernersville Municipal Council Chambers, 134 East Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC. Private well users along the route welcomed the maps. “I’m glad this information will be available as I am definitely impacted by the proposed pipeline.” said Diana Garrison, a Guilford County resident, “I live in a neighborhood close to the pipeline, so all the homeowners’ wells are impacted by any leakage or seepage of toxins. Williams says they check to make sure their pipeline is safe, but we have yet to see anyone walking along pipeline in our area.” To view interactive maps of the SSEP, MVP Southgate, and T-15 pipeline routes visit cwfnc.org/nc-pipelines. The maps use data from a variety of public sources, including FracTracker Alliance, a non-profit organization educating the public about the risks from oil and gas projects. The maps show public water supplies, land within 1000ft of the proposed pipelines, the potential blast zone in the event of a pipeline accident, and drinking water sources at risk of pollution from all three pipelines. ### About Clean Water for North Carolina Clean Water for North Carolina is a non-profit promoting clean, safe water and environments and empowered, just communities for all North Carolinians through outreach, advocacy, education, and technical assistance. cwfnc.org About Haw River Assembly Haw River Assembly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1982 to restore and protect the Haw River and Jordan Lake, and to build a watershed community that shares this vision. Our goals are to promote environmental education, conservation and pollution prevention; to speak as a voice for the river in the public arena; and to put into peoples’ hands the tools and the knowledge they need to be effective guardians of the river. hawriver.org Note: this press release was corrected to have the right month for Midway’s resolution opposing SSEP.
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After Chantal: Taking Action in North Durham & Person Counties
Flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal in North Durham County In North Durham & Person Counties, our rivers & electric bills just got higher than ever. Join us for a virtual meeting on what we can do this JULY to protect ourselves from climate disasters & higher electric bills. Thursday, July 16 – 6:00-6:50pm via Zoom Register here! Join Clean Water for North Carolina for this virtual meeting! You’ll: Connect with other like-minded people in North Durham City/County & Person County Learn why right now, North Durham & Person have a chance to make a difference for our climate, utility bills, and water. Register today!
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