Rural North Texans persist in advocating for a ballot measure to control Bitcoin mining operations in close proximity
In the small community of Mitchell Bend, located near Granbury, Texas, residents are taking a stand against a Bitcoin mining facility owned by Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA). Following the rejection of an initial petition due to insufficient signatures, the community has submitted a second petition with the hope of incorporating their town and gaining local control over the facility.
The second petition, filed before the August 18, 2022 deadline, seeks to qualify for a November ballot vote that could potentially allow the community to pass ordinances restricting the mining operation. Residents remain determined, prepared to pursue legal actions if the petition effort fails to secure a vote.
Some community members have already joined lawsuits alleging health and environmental harms caused by the Bitcoin mine. The climate advocacy group Earthjustice has filed an injunction targeting the facility, while individual residents pursue personal injury claims.
The complaints from residents include noise pollution and health issues such as noise-induced sleep disturbances, hearing loss, and property devaluation. For instance, Donna Adair, a resident living about a mile away from the facility, has stated that she and her husband have both suffered from tinnitus, a condition that produces nonstop ringing in the ears. Cheryl Shadden, another nearby resident, has been diagnosed with permanent conductive hearing loss because of the noise pollution caused by the plant.
County Judge Ron Massingill rejected the first petition due to insufficient signatures. However, there is criticism from local officials like Shannon Wolf, a precinct chair for the Hood County Republican Party, about inadequate notification of the petition rejection and resubmission deadlines. Massingill did not inform the group about the last day to have something on the ballot, which is August 18th.
Marathon Digital Holdings has not publicly responded to these local disputes. In response, residents are organizing and taking matters into their own hands. Shadden, who began organizing with other Mitchell Bend residents to combat the persistent noise, has stated that if Massingill does not sign the second petition, her group is prepared to escalate their case in the courts, potentially up to the Supreme Court.
Daniel Lakey, a resident, expressed frustration with the situation, stating, "We're tired of being bulldozed, we're tired of being bullied, we are tired of billion dollar companies coming in and ruining our lives."
Pablo Arauz Peña is KERA's growth and infrastructure reporter.
Sources: 1. The Fort Worth Report 2. KERA News 3. Earthjustice 4. Bloomberg Law
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