Residents urge county to promote Energy Saver NC program; public commenter urges moratorium on data centers and crypto mining

Shaya Brown of the Center for Energy Education asked the board to help the nonprofit provide local meeting space and staff assistance so residents can apply for Energy Saver NC rebates administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Brown said qualified residents may receive ‘‘up to $16,000’’ through the homeowner weatherization program and up to $14,000 through home electrification and appliance rebates, and asked commissioners to publicize the program and provide meeting space with internet access.

During the public comment period, resident Steve Britain urged caution over proposed data centers and crypto mining facilities, saying they offer ‘‘very few full‑time on‑site permanent jobs’’ and raised concerns about water and electricity demand and local environmental impacts. Britain called for a ban or a ‘‘2‑year moratorium’’ until unanswered questions are resolved. His comments included allegations about health and environmental harms reported near such facilities; no scientific evidence or county staff rebuttal appeared in the hearing record.

Board members responded to Brown’s request by instructing staff to coordinate with her and to provide contact information for scheduling outreach. Commissioners also acknowledged concerns about data centers and said the county’s UDO (zoning text) amendments under consideration include provisions related to data centers and crypto mining; board members asked staff to continue reviewing regulatory options and community impacts.

No formal action was taken on either the Energy Saver request or the data‑center moratorium proposal during the meeting.