Whiteville Imposes Moratorium on Data Centers and Crypto Mining Amid Regulatory Concerns

The Whiteville City Council has voted to impose an immediate 12-month moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining in the city. The temporary pause is aimed at allowing time for the city's staff to study the potential impacts of these industries on local resources and public health.

According to Whiteville Mayor Terry Mann, there are many unknowns surrounding these high-tech facilities, including their electricity and water usage. 'Personally, I have a lot of questions about them,' he said.

The city's current zoning laws do not define or regulate data centers and cryptocurrency mining, raising concerns about the potential for high greenhouse gas emissions, pollutant exposure from backup diesel generators, excessive electronic waste, and noise pollution for nearby residents. City officials believe that unregulated growth could counter the goals of the Whiteville Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

The moratorium is effective immediately and will run until August 25, 2027, or until a zoning ordinance text amendment addressing these land uses is adopted, whichever comes first. During this time, city staff will research how other municipal governments in North Carolina regulate similar facilities and develop new zoning standards and mitigation strategies.