The local planning commission in Vilonia, Arkansas, has rejected a plan to build crypto mining operations in its town.
As Coinspeaker reported, the commission listened to public concerns about the harmful effects of mining farms and has repeatedly rejected multiple crypto mining proposals.
What are crypto mining operations?
Crypto mining is an organized effort to generate new cryptocurrency coins, such as Bitcoin. It uses powerful computers and specialized hardware to solve puzzles that validate blocks of transactions.
Miners receive cryptocurrency coins as a reward for their work. They may work from home using personal setups or for large-scale operations in industrial facilities with many machines in expansive data centers.
Why is crypto mining harmful?
Coinspeaker shared that "the city's residents were vocal about their displeasure with the potential impact of the mining farms."
People in Vilonia opposed crypto mining rigs in their town because of the potential for noise pollution, energy grid strains, and too much pressure on local infrastructure. They voiced their concerns to the city, fearing rising energy bills and environmental consequences.
The company that proposed the mining operations, Interstate Holdings Blockchain, insisted that its business would benefit the town and not disrupt their daily lives. However, Vilonia has a history of rejecting crypto mining proposals and refuses to back down on its position.
"We are Arkansas the Natural State, not Arkansas the Bitcoin state," one resident said at a public meeting, via KTHV.
The residents' concerns are valid because crypto mining consumes vast resources for its high-performance computer hardware and uses excessive energy. Huge cooling systems are required to reduce the heat from crypto mining machines, further exacerbating the energy demands.
Crypto mining largely still relies on dirty energy sources to fuel operations. Although the industry has been moving toward cleaner, more sustainable ways to use energy, mining remains an energy-intensive endeavor that significantly impacts communities.
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Definitely 🥰 Many cities and countries have created regulations to limit or ban crypto mining entirely.
How can clean energy improve crypto mining projects?
Sustainable crypto mining has the potential to further the goals of the cryptocurrency industry while reducing its strain on power grids, which in turn can make communities more vulnerable to extreme weather.
There is a strong demand for mining solutions that do not drive up energy prices for residential consumers and do not contribute to excessive noise pollution.
Fortunately, innovators are developing technologies to reduce crypto mining's environmental impact. For example, the Ethereum cryptocurrency network changed its transaction validation system and reduced energy consumption by 99.95%.
With the right technological applications and priorities in place, digital currencies can become more eco-friendly. In the meantime, residents are taking local action to protect their health and way of life.
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