Texas Town Rebels: 600 Residents Clash Over Noisy Bitcoin Mine Plan
A small rural community in Hood County, Texas, has voted against forming a new municipality in an effort to curb excessive...
Quick overview
- A rural community in Hood County, Texas, voted against forming a new municipality to address noise from a Bitcoin mining facility, with only 38% of voters supporting the proposal.
- Residents have reported significant disruptions to their quality of life due to the noise from MARA's Bitcoin mining machines, leading to health issues and some relocating.
- Despite MARA's efforts to reduce noise pollution, including constructing a noise-blocking wall and upgrading cooling systems, locals remain dissatisfied.
- The community plans to continue seeking solutions for noise control, highlighting ongoing tensions between crypto mining operations and rural residents in Texas.
A small rural community in Hood County, Texas, has voted against forming a new municipality in an effort to curb excessive noise from a nearby Bitcoin mining facility. The proposal, which sought to establish the city of Mitchell Bend, failed after only 38% of 138 voters supported incorporation, according to The Texas Tribune.
The proposed city would have covered roughly two square miles and represented a population of about 600 residents. For nearly three years, locals have complained about the unrelenting hum of MARA’s 60,000 Bitcoin mining machines, describing the noise as disruptive and damaging to their quality of life.
Residents say the constant mechanical roar—produced by the cooling fans that prevent the computers from overheating—has led to sleepless nights, headaches, and hearing problems. Some have even moved away to escape the noise.
Bitcoin Miner’s Noise Sparks Outcry
The Bitcoin mining operation, owned by MARA, plays a part in maintaining Bitcoin’s $2 trillion global network by validating transactions. Despite efforts to mitigate sound levels, residents say the measures have fallen short.
MARA has:
- Constructed a 24-foot noise-blocking wall around the facility.
- Converted two-thirds of its cooling systems to liquid-based technology.
- Claimed ongoing improvements to reduce the environmental impact.
Even with these adjustments, locals argue that noise pollution remains unbearable, motivating the push to incorporate Mitchell Bend as an independent city with zoning and noise-control powers.
Before the election, MARA filed a lawsuit to block the vote, warning that cityhood could lead to new taxes and threaten its operational viability. Although the court denied the injunction, the company expressed relief after the measure failed at the ballot box.
Community Vows to Keep Fighting
Local resident Danny Lakey said the defeat won’t deter the community from seeking other solutions. “We’re disappointed, but we’re not done,” he told reporters, emphasizing the need for peace and accountability.
This isn’t the first time Texas residents have clashed with crypto miners. In April, the Vilonia Planning Commission in neighboring Arkansas rejected a similar proposal for a Bitcoin mining site after strong opposition from nearby residents.
With Texas emerging as a major hub for crypto mining—thanks to its low energy costs and deregulated power grid—tensions between digital infrastructure and rural communities are expected to intensify. For now, the people of Hood County say they’ll keep pushing to reclaim the quiet life they once had.
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