Poll: NC adults want more curbs on data centers, fewer on marijuana. Lawmakers are doing otherwise

Key Points:

• A WRAL/WSOC Poll reveals that North Carolina voters overwhelmingly support medical marijuana legalization (74%) and recreational marijuana legalization (63%), contrasting with the Republican-led legislature's refusal to allow votes on such bills.
• Support for marijuana legalization cuts across age, political, regional, and racial demographics, with only voters aged 65+ showing a divided opinion; a state advisory council recommends legalizing marijuana through a regulated retail system to enhance safety and generate revenue.
• Data center development in North Carolina is divisive, with 43% supporting some development (mostly Republicans) and 42% opposing it (mostly Democrats); concerns include environmental impacts and local disturbances, while economic benefits include tax revenue and job creation.
• Legislative efforts to regulate data centers—such as requiring companies to cover infrastructure costs and banning incentives—have stalled, with local governments adopting varied approaches including bans and moratoriums.
• Duke Energy's proposed "large-load tariff" for data centers aims to secure upfront payments and minimum bills, but state officials highlight gaps, particularly around funding new power plants, with the North Carolina Utilities Commission yet to approve the plan.