The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Watauga County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Watauga County has an enacted temporary moratorium on data centers and crypto mining, creating a barrier to these activities that ends one year after adoption.
Rating from North Carolina statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Watauga County.
Specific to Watauga County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasWatauga County's April 21, 2026 minutes record adoption of a data-center moratorium and an adopted amendment covering data centers, crypto mining facilities and similar uses.Watauga County Data Center Moratorium (2026)
What this means
Analysis: Moratorium covering data centers and crypto mining creates a significant temporary barrier, limited by termination one year after adoption.
Timing
- Ends
- Apr 21, 2027
Calculated anniversary of April 21, 2026 adoption: minutes specify termination one year after adoption. No separate calendar sunset, extension or early repeal verified.
People behind it
- Ronnie Marsh
Commissioner who moves adoption, seconded by Vice-Chairman Castle.
- Todd Castle
Vice-chairman who seconds the adoption motion.
- Braxton Eggers
Chairman who moves the scope-duration amendment.
Show 1 more peopleShow fewer people
- Nathan Miller
County attorney whose recommendations are incorporated.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Moratorium applies to data centers, crypto mining facilities and similar uses.
Planning staff is directed to develop an impact-limiting development scheme; this direction does not establish completed permanent standards.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data