Michigan Town Bans Data Centers and Crypto Mining Amid Community Concerns

Garfield Township in Michigan has temporarily banned data centers and cryptocurrency mining for one year. The Township Board unanimously approved the moratorium on Tuesday, citing the need to better plan for future proposals.

The decision comes after a summer of community concerns about the potential impact of data centers on water, electric rates, and the environment. Residents packed a township zoning meeting in June to express their worries.

Township Supervisor Joe McManus praised the public's engagement, saying it was 'refreshing' to see unanimous support for the ban.