Latest news with #MandyDeRoche
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Residents reveal nightmare caused by massive tech facility near homes: 'Like a jet engine that never leaves'
Bitcoin mining operations are turning quiet rural areas across America into industrial zones, bringing noise and pollution to communities from New York's Finger Lakes to small towns in North Carolina, The New Republic reported. Bitcoin mining is the energy-intensive process that creates new bitcoin cryptocurrency. Miners use thousands of computer rigs that operate 24/7, solving complex puzzles to earn new coins. These facilities require massive amounts of electricity and water as well as industrial-sized fans for cooling that create persistent noise. Bitcoin mining presents serious environmental challenges due to its enormous resource demands. These operations consumed about 70 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, more than the entire state of New Jersey used that year, according to U.S. Department of Energy data cited by The New Republic. The impact affects more than just energy use. Near Dresden, New York, the Greenidge Generation crypto mine emitted more than 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide in 2024. Nationwide, bitcoin mines, primarily powered by dirty fuels, use 2% of the country's electricity. "I think this is going to mean increased impacts on local communities that we've seen across the country," said Mandy DeRoche, deputy managing attorney at the Clean Energy Program at Earthjustice, in anticipation of even more bitcoin mines opening. The health impacts on nearby residents are substantial. In Granbury, Texas, residents are suing a bitcoin mining company over noise pollution they claim is causing hearing loss and migraines. Cyndie Roberson bought her dream cabin on North Carolina's Hiwassee River in 2020. A year later, she was battling constant noise from a nearby bitcoin mine. "It's like a jet engine that never leaves," she told The New Republic. "It is a low-frequency hum, and that low frequency, I've learned, is far more irritating to human beings." Her experience aligns with research showing that chronic noise exposure is troublesome. It can increase risks of cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, the stress drove Roberson to sell her home and move. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Residents are fighting back through organizing and legal challenges, as The New Republic detailed. In Murphy, North Carolina, Roberson's advocacy group secured a ban on new crypto mines. Environmental groups in New York are challenging mines through the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. In Seneca Lake, advocates sued Greenidge Generation over its pollution. "It has been absolutely exhausting and infuriating to deal with a company that refuses to accept the law," said Yvonne Taylor, a Seneca Lake resident and member of Seneca Lake Guardian. With limited federal regulations and recent policy shifts favoring cryptocurrency expansion, local action has become increasingly important. "We can't expect protection from the federal government. We're going to protect ourselves," said Deb Gondek, who lives near a crypto mine in New York that also increased electricity costs for area residents. While the industry claims to be shifting toward cleaner energy sources, mining cryptocurrency remains an energy-intensive process. For affected communities, the issue crosses political divides. "Nationally, it's going to get worse," Roberson said. "But in our hometowns and our counties, maybe in our states, we can change things." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Investigation reveals hidden reason behind skyrocketing electric bills: 'Households should not subsidize'
Have you wondered why the amount on your electric bill keeps rising month after month? Hidden behind the increase might be proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining operations getting deep discounts while regular customers pay more. A new report from Earthjustice attorneys reveals just how stark this contrast is across America. Cryptocurrency mining companies receive heavily discounted electricity rates compared to what households pay. In Texas, regular homeowners paid around 14.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2023, while crypto miners paid as little as 2.5 cents. Similar patterns appear in New York (residents: 22.3 cents; miners: 3 cents), Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. These subsidies directly affect your wallet. In Texas alone, crypto mining has already raised electricity costs for residents by $1.8 billion yearly — about 4.7% of their bills — according to consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. The financial impact extends beyond just higher bills. When Riot, a major crypto mining company, temporarily reduced operations during an August 2023 heat wave, Texas' power grid operator paid it $31.7 million, according to Earthjustice. Meanwhile, middle-class Texans who were asked to conserve electricity watched their power bills climb. "Residents and businesses near crypto mining facilities face constant noise pollution that threaten their health and well-being. ... Households should not subsidize crypto miners' electricity," wrote Mandy DeRoche, deputy managing attorney in the Clean Energy Program at Earthjustice, and Jacob Elkin, associate attorney. The mining process consumes massive amounts of energy, stressing local power grids. The Energy Information Agency warns that crypto mining's unpredictable energy needs can cause brownouts and blackouts during hot or cold weather extremes, per the report. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Water usage is another concern — bitcoin mining in the United States consumed as much water as 300,000 households in 2021. Despite promises of economic benefits, most operations create very few jobs. In Rockdale, Texas, a crypto mining company promised 350 new positions but actually created just 14, according to Earthjustice. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
