Whiteville leaders to consider 12-month ban on data centers, crypto mines

WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) - A proposed 12-month ban on data centers and cryptocurrency operations is heading to a public hearing Tuesday night as Whiteville officials race to regulate the heavy environmental footprints of these operations.

The Whiteville City Council is scheduled to vote on the temporary moratorium during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

If approved, the moratorium would immediately halt all development approvals for data centers, data processing facilities and cryptocurrency mining operations. The freeze is set to run from August 25, 2026, until August 25, 2027, or until the city adopts a zoning ordinance text amendment addressing these land uses, whichever comes first.

According to city agenda documents, these high-tech facilities demand massive amounts of electricity and water. Local officials raised concerns that unregulated growth could lead to high greenhouse gas emissions, widespread pollutant exposure from backup diesel generators, excessive electronic waste and severe noise pollution for nearby residents.

The agenda states Whiteville planning staff are developing new zoning standards and mitigation strategies to control these intensive land uses and require additional time to finalize them.