New group advocates for AI, crypto in NC

The North Carolina Blockchain + AI Initiative (NCB+AI) has been launched to advocate for blockchain, cryptocurrency, and AI industries in the state. The group is led by former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, who serves as the founder and state advocate. NCB+AI aims to be a "catalyst" that can bring together stakeholders from the private and public sectors to influence state policy. The group hopes to support the construction of data centers, which are essential infrastructure for blockchain and AI, as well as push for legislation to allow the state government to invest in digital assets like cryptocurrency. However, the push for more data centers has faced opposition from local activists. Michelle Hoffner O'Connor, a co-leader of the Protect Wake County Coalition, said the lack of regulations around data centers and their impacts on electricity and water use has resulted in bipartisan pushback. She warned that the state legislature will have to "weigh how many eggs they are going to put in that AI, blockchain, pro-everything basket" given the growing concerns.