Diversified Production LLC began bitcoin mining on old fracking wells without state permits, leading to regulatory violations.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) later approved the operation despite initial violations.
Local communities and environmental advocates express concern over increased noise, air pollution, and inadequate regulatory oversight.
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“We have invested tens of thousands of dollars in habitat work on that game lands. Now, it’s really disturbing to use that whole back section… not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions.”
Proposals in Oregon and Washington to regulate carbon emissions tied to crypto mining and data centers took opposite paths during the 2023 legislative session.
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.
In the wake of a national surge in crypto mining, local activists are searching for ways to fight the energy-intensive industry’s rapid growth — and calling on Congress for backup.
