Forum highlights impacts of AI data centers and crypto mining facilities

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — As the number of AI data centers and is crypto mining facilities increases across North Carolina, one group is pushing back.

Those advocates argue that the environmental implications that come with this technology are massive and potentially devastating. That was part of the perspective they shared in a free public forum at the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA) on Wednesday, April 1.

TOWN OF CANTON TO CONSIDER PAUSE ON DATA CENTERS, CRYPTO MINING AFTER PUBLIC HEARING

The event, held by the National Coalition Against Crypto mining, focused on what this type of tech could mean for western North Carolina.

Speakers were particularly concerned with rising greenhouse gas emissions, increased air pollution, heavy water use, and ongoing noise.

Cyndia Roberson, one of the group’s five national board members, said that the constant noise coming from a crypto mine in Cherokee County eventually drove her to sell her home.

“No heat, no water because almost everybody’s on a well pump, and nothing would work every 15 minutes,” Roberson said. “There were over 300 megawatts of crypto mining. There were rolling blackouts two winters in a row.

Despite Roberson’s concerns, she explained that she wasn’t completely closed off.

FILE – As the number of AI data centers and is crypto mining facilities increases across North Carolina, one group is pushing back. (Photo: WLOS Staff)

Roberson wants to be thoughtful and strategic when it comes to solutions.

“Yes, I think that we could work with the AI data centers to make it a more sustainable model,” Roberson said.

CANTON SETS PUBLIC HEARING FOR MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY CONCERNS

The Wednesday, April 1, event was part of the western North Carolina Sierra Club’s monthly meeting.

News 13 reached out to the Association for Computer Operations Management (AFCOM) to get its side of the story, but has not heard back.