Clyde residents push for moratorium on data centers, crypto mining

Residents in Clyde, North Carolina, a town within Haywood County, are actively pushing for a moratorium on new AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. Despite no immediate interest from developers, community members and town officials convened a town hall on April 16 to consider a temporary halt to development. The aim is to allow time to establish regulations and thoroughly evaluate potential benefits and drawbacks. Approximately 30 residents attended, unanimously expressing opposition. Local resident Shannon Wilkie argued that such facilities offer no benefit to the town's economy or natural resources, while Lisa Murphy voiced concerns about environmental and long-term health impacts, citing data linking them to illnesses like cancer and lung issues. Murphy indicated a readiness to escalate their fight from Clyde to the county and state levels. The nearby Town of Canton is also reportedly considering a similar pause following a public hearing.