Growing Opposition to Cryptocurrency Mining in Georgia: Residents and Officials Take a Stand
Opposition to Cryptocurrency Mining Grows Across Georgia
Residents in various counties across Georgia are pushing back against the growing trend of cryptocurrency mining, citing concerns over noise, electricity and water usage, and lack of job creation.
In Gilmer County, residents successfully defeated a proposed rezoning that would have allowed a cryptocurrency server farm to be built in their rural community. Just north in Fannin County, the Commission has enacted a ban on crypto mining altogether. And in Southern Georgia, the Regional Commission has published a model ordinance for counties to restrict the development of cryptocurrency farms.
Critics argue that the server farms are extremely noisy, consume large amounts of electricity and water, and do not provide enough jobs to offset these negative impacts. Despite the industry’s growth in Georgia, with the state being the second-largest cryptocurrency miner in the country, many residents are voicing their concerns.
Cyndie Roberson, cofounder of Gilmer County Citizens Against Crypto Mining, called it “the biggest con on the public ever,” and highlighted the overwhelming community opposition to the proposed server farm in their area.
While some argue that cryptocurrency mining brings investment and innovation to rural communities, others like Rep. Penny Houston have had negative experiences with existing server farms. Houston complained about the noise and electricity usage of a crypto mining operation in Adel, stating that it brings no economic benefits to the community.
State lawmakers have also raised concerns about the strain on Georgia’s power grid due to the increasing number of data centers and server farms. Legislation aimed at attracting more data centers to the state was vetoed by Gov. Brian Kemp, indicating a need for further discussion on the issue.
Rep. Scott Hilton, who introduced a bill related to cryptocurrency mining, believes that the legislature should eventually address the issue. The model ordinance proposed by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission could be a starting point for regulating crypto mining operations at the local level.
As the debate over cryptocurrency mining continues in Georgia, residents, lawmakers, and industry representatives will need to find a balance between economic development and environmental concerns.
