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North Carolina News You Can Use

Billy Ball Explains NC: AI data centers are taking over NC – but at what cost?

By Billy Ball, Staff Reports

February 23, 2026

Because of AI, data centers are multiplying across North Carolina. But as billionaire-owned companies like Meta, Amazon, and Apple buy up land in the Tar Heel state, they’re raising red flags about water consumption, high utility bills, and their effect on the fight against climate change. In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we break down what’s at stake.

Billy Ball Explains NC is a weekly conversation about North Carolina politics, culture, and news, led by Cardinal & Pine Senior Newsletter Editor Billy Ball (@thelivingsouth). Make sure to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

For more of Billy Ball Explains NC, tap here. And for Billy Ball’s daily breakdown of NC, sign up for Cardinal & Pine’s free newsletter by using the form below.

Authors

  • Billy Ball

    Billy Ball is Cardinal & Pine's senior newsletter editor. He’s covered local, state, and national politics, government, education, criminal justice, the environment, and immigration in North Carolina for almost two decades. His reporting and commentary have earned state, regional, and national awards. He's also the founder of The Living South, a journalism project about the most interesting people in the American South.

    Have a story tip? Reach Billy at [email protected]. For local reporting that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Billy’s newsletter.

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CATEGORIES: Billy Ball Explains NC | POLITICS VIDEO

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Billy Ball Explains NC | POLITICS VIDEO
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