Living in a Small Town Contaminated by a Cryptomine: A Personal Account
Living in a rural town overtaken by the noise and air pollution from cryptomines is becoming an increasingly common reality for many Americans. This trend is only expected to rise with the implementation of President Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and other pro-crypto policies on the horizon.
One such town grappling with the effects of a nearby cryptomine is Dresden, New York, situated near Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region. What was once a serene area known for its green forests, limestone cliffs, and picturesque lakes has now become home to Greenidge Generation, a former power plant converted into a bitcoin mine. Operating around the clock, this facility emits over 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, tarnishing the region’s reputation as an agricultural and tourist haven. Environmental advocacy groups in the area have been locked in a legal battle with the cryptomine, citing violations of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, aiming for fully zero-emission electricity by 2040. Yvonne Taylor, a Seneca Lake resident and member of Seneca Lake Guardian, expressed her deep connection to the region and the necessity to safeguard it from harm.
The Finger Lakes is not an isolated case; similar conflicts have arisen in other regions across the country. In Granbury, Texas, Marathon Digital Holdings is being sued by residents for noise pollution causing health issues like hearing loss and migraines. In Montana, the extension of a coal-fired power plant due to crypto mining has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, in Pennsylvania, a bitcoin mine stands accused of burning waste coal and old tires, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Nationally, these mines, predominantly powered by fossil fuels, account for 2% of the country’s electricity usage, with water consumption potentially rivalling that of Washington, D.C.
President Trump’s pro-crypto stance poses a further threat to communities and the environment. Backed by the cryptocurrency industry, Trump’s ambition to position the US as the “crypto capital of the planet” has raised concerns about the industry’s environmental impact. With the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the influx of cryptomines is predicted to increase. This shift marks a departure from the Biden administration’s approach, which favored stricter oversight and taxation of the industry.
Bitcoin mining, being a form of cryptocurrency known as “proof of work,” is notorious for its energy-intensive nature. To obtain bitcoin, miners utilize numerous computers, or rigs, competing to solve complex puzzles for new coins. The operation of these rigs necessitates a substantial amount of electricity, water, and cooling mechanisms, resulting in a deafening cacophony of sounds. Residents in areas like Cherokee County, North Carolina, have shared their experiences of being subjected to constant noise pollution emanating from nearby cryptomines, prompting concerns about the long-term health impacts on their community.
Despite the challenges posed by the encroachment of cryptomines, grassroots advocacy groups have emerged to defend their localities. People like Cyndie Roberson of Cherokee County have taken a stand against the disruptive effects of cryptomining, speaking out at public hearings and organizing petitions to curb these operations. By shedding light on the realities of living in the shadow of a cryptomine, these individuals are fighting to preserve their communities and protect the environment from further harm.
