Ware County adopts moratoriums on cryptocurrency mining and solar applications

The Ware County Board of Commissioners on March 10 unanimously adopted temporary moratoria on new applications for cryptocurrency data mining and for solar energy systems, pausing new projects while the county develops zoning and permitting rules. Chairman Elmer Thrift presided over the meeting in Waycross.

Commissioner Jon Tindall moved to adopt the solar moratorium, recorded in the minutes as Resolution 2025-07; the motion passed on a roll call of present members. On the cryptocurrency measure, the agenda item was labeled Resolution 2025-06, but the motion in the minutes refers to "Resolution 2025-09," an inconsistency recorded in the meeting minutes. That moratorium also passed on a unanimous roll call of those present.

The board did not debate detailed exemptions at the meeting. Commissioner Tindall said the moratoria "put things on hold while the County tries to get ordinances in place to protect the citizens," framing the measures as a temporary pause to allow staff and the commission to draft and review land-use rules. No immediate implementation dates or sunset dates for either moratorium were specified in the minutes.

Both motions were passed during the regular meeting without recorded dissents. The actions will delay new permit applications for the covered activities until the board considers and adopts implementing ordinances or rescinds the moratoria.