Recent local moratorium extensions, including Charlotte's unanimous October 2026 vote pushing its pause to October 2027 and Raleigh's six-month halt on large facilities, reflect widespread resident concerns over data centers' high power demand, water consumption, and grid strain amid AI infrastructure growth. Over 30 North Carolina jurisdictions have enacted temporary restrictions in 2026, fueled by environmental groups and community opposition surveys showing strong pushback. A Chatham County court ruling highlighted state law limits on local downzoning, shifting focus toward Raleigh. State lawmakers have stalled bills like SB 730 after House passage, with post-November 3 election action and resident calls for a two-year statewide pause serving as key near-term catalysts.