Mooresville Data Center Rezoning Faces Likely Denial

The Mooresville, North Carolina, Board of Commissioners is expected to deny Teresa Earnhardt and developer Tract's rezoning request to build a $30 billion data center on Earnhardt family land. Mayor Chris Carney and the six commissioners cite uncertainties about the future owner and operator—possibly Apple, Google, or Microsoft—as a key reason for their opposition. The project has generated controversy within the Earnhardt family and among local residents, who are concerned about environmental impact, resource use, and community disruption. Supporters point to the potential for significant economic and tax benefits. The debate reflects broader national tensions as AI and computing demands drive new data center construction across the U.S. The board is scheduled to vote on the measure on September 15, with Carney serving as the tiebreaker if needed.