bitcoin mining
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Bitcoin mining threatens Texas power grid stability
Granbury, Texas, residents and lawmakers express growing concerns over the impact of a local Bitcoin mine on noise pollution and the state's power grid reliability.
In short:
- Cheryl Shadden, a Granbury resident, suffers from severe noise pollution caused by a nearby 300-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility, leading to permanent hearing loss.
- Texas lawmakers warn that the increasing power demand from cryptocurrency mines could destabilize the state’s electrical grid, especially during peak usage times.
- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimates that additional electricity demand from such facilities will significantly rise by 2027, potentially worsening grid stability.
Key quote:
"They’re going to put our grid at risk because of the power they’re drawing."
— José Menéndez, Texas State Senator
Why this matters:
Bitcoin mining is notoriously energy-intensive, and with Texas already experiencing grid vulnerabilities, many worry about the additional strain this digital gold rush is placing on an already fragile system. The energy consumption of Bitcoin mines isn't just a local issue; it's a global one, with substantial carbon footprints. As the world grapples with climate change, the demand for such energy-guzzling operations raises questions about sustainability and our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Anxiety, mood swings and sleepless nights: Life near a bitcoin mine
Pushed by an advocacy group, Arkansas became the first state to shield noisy cryptocurrency operators from unhappy neighbors. A furious backlash has some lawmakers considering a statewide ban.
Photo by André François McKenzie on Unsplash
White House proposes 30 percent tax on electricity used for crypto mining
The Biden administration wants to impose a 30 percent tax on the electricity used by cryptocurrency mining operations, and it has included the proposal in its budget for the fiscal year of 2024.
Violation at a Pennsylvania drilling site raises questions about lack of Bitcoin regulation
A gas and oil company mining for cryptocurrency in Elk County, Pennsylvania, was found to be in violation of state regulations when it installed equipment before getting approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection, but the company says it is following the rules.
QuoteInspector.com/Flickr
Crypto is mostly over. Its carbon emissions are not.
The environmental toll of Bitcoin could be even higher this year than last.
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Simple FX/Flickr
Mining for Bitcoin in Alberta's oilsands
MAGA Energy has said its facilities will be environmentally friendly. The local county has warned the company’s plans will increase emissions.
The EPA asks a Bitcoin 'mining' operation in Clearfield County for information
A natural gas company in Clearfield County that had been "mining" for Bitcoin at several sites has stopped doing so for now, but operations at the site had already led to an information request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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