Ratepayer and Resource Protection Act
Plain English Summary
This bill regulates large-scale data centers in North Carolina by requiring them to obtain operating certificates, generate at least 25% of their electricity on-site from clean energy, pay utility rates based on their full infrastructure costs, and prohibiting them from receiving state and local tax incentives or subsidies. The bill also establishes water use standards for data centers and repeals existing sales tax exemptions for the industry.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill protects ordinary North Carolinians from bearing the costs of data center operations through higher electricity and water bills. They contend that large data centers consume massive amounts of energy and water but have received substantial tax breaks and incentives, shifting infrastructure expenses to residential customers and small businesses. The bill ensures data centers pay their fair share while promoting clean energy development and protecting water resources for all residents.
Arguments Against
Opponents argue the bill may discourage data center investment and economic development in North Carolina, potentially driving companies to other states with more favorable policies. They contend the regulations impose significant operational costs and compliance burdens that could make projects financially unfeasible, reducing job creation and tax revenue. Critics also question whether the on-site clean energy requirement is technologically practical for all data center types and whether strict cost-based rates will make North Carolina less competitive in attracting this growing industry.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 115
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 98
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 33
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 34
Cosponsors (31)
Representative · District 39
Representative · District 116
Representative · District 8
Representative · District 21
Representative · District 56
Representative · District 102
Representative · District 49
Representative · District 112
Representative · District 44
Representative · District 71
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 27
Representative · District 50
Representative · District 40
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 29
Representative · District 18
Representative · District 66
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 31
Representative · District 54
Representative · District 57
Representative · District 104
Representative · District 60
Representative · District 58
Representative · District 32
Representative · District 101
Representative · District 11