Residents in a rural Hood County, Texas, have seen their attempt to establish a new municipality, Mitchell Bend, overwhelmingly rejected by voters. The primary motivation behind this incorporation effort was to gain the authority to regulate the persistent noise emanating from a large Bitcoin mining facility operated by MARA Holdings. Despite the setback, locals vow to continue their fight for peace and quiet.
Key Takeaways
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Residents of Hood County, Texas, voted against incorporating a new city, Mitchell Bend, by a significant margin.
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The proposed city was intended to grant residents the power to enact noise ordinances against a nearby Bitcoin mining operation.
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MARA Holdings, the Bitcoin mining company, had opposed the incorporation, filing lawsuits and expressing satisfaction with the vote's outcome.
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Despite the failed incorporation, residents are committed to exploring other avenues to address the noise pollution.
The Noise Complaint
For approximately three years, residents living near MARA's Bitcoin mining facility have endured what they describe as relentless noise. The facility houses around 60,000 Bitcoin miners, whose cooling systems generate a constant hum, often compared to a "plane that never lands" or a "lawnmower that never turns off." Many have reported sleepless nights, headaches, and other health issues, with some even choosing to leave the area. While MARA has implemented measures such as a soundproofing wall and transitioning to a liquid cooling system for a majority of its fans, residents maintain that the noise remains a significant disturbance.
The Incorporation Effort
The bid to incorporate Mitchell Bend as a new city was seen by residents as their most viable path to enacting local noise ordinances, as county governments in Texas lack such authority. The proposed municipality would have covered a two-square-mile area with about 600 residents. However, the initiative faced strong opposition from MARA Holdings, which filed a lawsuit attempting to block the vote, arguing that the incorporation would harm its operations and potentially lead to excessive taxation. Although the company's request for a restraining order was denied, MARA expressed relief at the election's outcome.
Election Results and Future Actions
The proposal to create Mitchell Bend was ultimately defeated, with only 38% of the 138 voters casting ballots in favor of incorporation. A MARA spokesperson called the effort a "sham incorporation." Despite this disappointing result, residents like Danny Lakey have vowed to continue their pursuit of a quieter environment. They plan to explore further legal avenues, with support from organizations like Earth Justice, to address the noise pollution and protect their community from what they perceive as an overwhelming industrial presence.
Broader Context of Crypto Mining in Texas
Texas has become a major hub for cryptocurrency mining due to favorable state policies, including the absence of a profit tax and relatively cheap electricity. This influx of mining operations has led to similar conflicts in other rural areas, highlighting a growing tension between the economic benefits promised by the industry and the quality of life for local residents. While MARA emphasizes its contributions to the local economy through jobs and tax revenue, the residents' fight underscores a desire for balance and the protection of their rural way of life.
Sources
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Rural Texas community fails plan to become a city to curb BTC miner noise, TradingView.
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Noise from crypto mine pushes Texas neighbors to start a town, The Texas Tribune.
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Texas residents push to form a new town to fight Bitcoin mining noise, Fast Company.
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