Whiteville Considers Year-Long Moratorium for Data Centers
The Whiteville City Council was scheduled to vote on a proposed year-long moratorium on data center and cryptocurrency mining development permits. This pause would allow the planning department to conduct impact studies and draft new zoning regulations. City officials are concerned about power consumption, water usage, and other environmental impacts associated with these operations.
The Whiteville City Council was scheduled to vote on Tuesday, August 25, on implementing a year-long moratorium on new data center and cryptocurrency mining facilities. The proposed ban, which would last from August 25, 2026, to August 25, 2027, or until new zoning rules are passed, aims to freeze all development permits for these businesses.
City officials expressed concerns regarding the high power and water consumption of these operations, as well as potential issues like greenhouse gas emissions, pollution from backup diesel generators, electronic waste, and disruptive noise. The moratorium is intended to provide the planning department with sufficient time to conduct impact studies and develop comprehensive amendments to existing ordinances, ensuring that future development aligns with the Whiteville Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Prior to proposing the freeze, city planners explored other regulatory options but found them insufficient. They concluded that allowing such facilities without specific rules on location, height, size, density, or proximity to residential areas would conflict with the city's land use goals. The decision on the temporary ban, which would halt all related development permits upon approval, was set to be made after a public hearing at City Hall, reflecting a nationwide trend of municipalities grappling with regulating rapidly expanding tech operations while balancing economic development with environmental and community safeguards.