Residents urge commissioners to reject Duke Energy power‑plant plan, cite environmental and economic risks

Several residents told the Davie County Board of Commissioners they oppose a proposed Duke Energy power plant on farmland, raising concerns about pollution, greenhouse‑gas emissions and long‑term economic effects tied to data‑center demand.

Sarah Weschler told the board that "once the river is contaminated, once groundwater is polluted, and once an ecosystem is disrupted, those losses cannot simply be rezoned away," urging commissioners to deny the project and suggesting a land trust could purchase the parcel to preserve it. Andy Cagle, citing his experience with federal science programs, framed local government as "the front line in this fight" against projects that would lock the region into more greenhouse‑gas emissions.

Ken Ludwig raised financial concerns, saying Duke Energy recorded large profits in 2025 and warning that plant construction tied to data‑center demand could ultimately raise local power costs and leave the county with obsolete industrial buildings. He described the board’s recent moratorium on data centers as a "bold move" and urged caution on long‑term commitments.

Speakers asked the board to seek an independent zoning opinion, involve municipal partners, and consider alternatives such as land‑trust purchases or stricter conditions. The board acknowledged these concerns and said staff will pursue a second legal opinion on the zoning interpretation for the tract where Duke has expressed interest. No formal application decision or county action on Duke Energy’s project was taken at the meeting.