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29 <br /> • Added Medicaid code for behavioral health urgent care centers <br /> • Added non-partisan redistricting under general government <br /> • Changed water/sewer language from "seek legislation" to "seek funding" <br /> • Added invasive species research funding support under environment <br /> Chair Hamilton said the talking points in the packet are good for the NCACC meetings, <br /> but also for commissioners when talking in the community. <br /> A motion was made by Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve <br /> the Top 6 Orange County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues document, as amended, and the full list <br /> of twenty-one (21) Priority Legislative Issues, as amended, for submittal to Orange County's <br /> legislative delegation. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Greg Wilder confirmed that the legislative breakfast packet would include both amended <br /> attachments plus the eight-page talking points document as supplemental information. <br /> c. Discussion on Large-Scale Data Center Development in Oranqe County <br /> This item was added at the beginning of the meeting. <br /> Commissioner Carter introduced this agenda item, explaining that NACO's Legislative <br /> Conference strongly encouraged counties to prepare for the data center industry's arrival by <br /> reviewing potential impacts and assessing land use guardrails.The explosive growth in computing <br /> power and data centers driven by Al creates concerns about utility impacts on residential bills and <br /> water usage demands for cooling systems. She referenced Loudoun County, Virginia's <br /> experiences and noted bipartisan North Carolina legislation from previous sessions addressing <br /> resident protection from electrical utility impacts, including House Bills 638 and 1002. She noted <br /> the timing was appropriate given the World Day for Water proclamation in the consent agenda. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, for <br /> the Board to direct County staff to prepare a presentation for our next Business Meeting on <br /> March 17, 2026 that addresses the following: <br /> 1. The potential impacts of large-scale data center development in Orange County, <br /> including electricity demand, water usage, land use compatibility, environmental <br /> considerations, and potential impacts on residents' utility costs, and water quality. <br /> 2. Policy options available to the County, including, but not limited to, a temporary <br /> moratorium on data center development, revising the Orange County Land Use Plan and <br /> UDO, and the legal process required to implement each option. <br /> 3. Recommendation(s)for Board action. <br /> Commissioner McKee noted land has reportedly been purchased in Person County for a <br /> data center that would draw power from Mayo Lake Power Station via lines running through <br /> Orange County, potentially raising rates countywide. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott supported gathering additional information to understand <br /> impacts. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler agreed, noting that data centers provide few jobs relative to their utility <br /> costs and environmental impacts. <br />