Whiteville Considers Moratorium on Data Centers, Crypto Mines

Whiteville, North Carolina's City Council is set to consider a proposed 12-month ban on data centers and cryptocurrency operations during its meeting on Tuesday, August 25. The temporary moratorium aims to halt all development approvals for these high-tech facilities until August 25, 2027, or until the city adopts a zoning ordinance text amendment addressing these land uses.

The council's decision comes after local officials raised concerns about the environmental impact of unregulated growth in these industries. According to city documents, data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations demand massive amounts of electricity and water, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions, pollutant exposure from backup diesel generators, excessive electronic waste, and noise pollution for nearby residents.

The Whiteville planning staff is developing new zoning standards and mitigation strategies to control these intensive land uses. City officials determined that allowing these facilities to be built without regulations governing location, height, size, density, and proximity to residential areas would directly counter the goals of the Whiteville Comprehensive Land Use Plan.