Cherokee Indians in NC propose ban on data centers on their tribal lands
Four NC Cherokee Indian council members introduced an ordinance Thursday to ban data centers on tribal lands, calling them a “clear and present danger” to people and the environment.
”These facilities have often been forced on rural areas in western North Carolina and have made the quality of life considerably worse for those who live nearby them,” according to the ordinance unveiled on the April 2 council agenda.
Without discussion, the 12-member Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians council voted unanimously to table the motion to a future meeting, according to a tribal video of the session. Tabling new items is common so council members can hold work sessions to discuss and refine the language of the measures. Several other items also were tabled that morning.
The tribe has “limited excess land” on its 57,000-acre Qualla Boundary, ”and we believe that the land within EBCI Trust and deeded lands should be devoted to causes which help and uplift our people rather than harm them,” the proposed ordinance states.
The draft ordinance calls for “an indefinite moratorium on building, constructing, or maintaining these data centers.”
Data centers “require an enormous amount of water to operate and we recognize that our water is sacred and should not be used for this purpose,” according to the proposed ordinance.
“It is well documented that these facilities create a humming sound which causes nearby residents to develop health problems of both a physical and mental variety,” the draft ordinance states.
Introducing the ordinance were Lavita Hill and Venita Wolfe, Big Cove council representatives; Shannon Swimmer, Painttown council representative; and Shennelle Feather, Yellowhill council representative.
“We are stewards of our land and should be proactive in protecting it,” the council members say in their proposed ordinance.
This story was originally published April 6, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Cherokee Indians in NC propose ban on data centers on their tribal lands."