Another US state is facing problems related to crypto mining activities on its territory. This time, the second largest county in Montana is the protagonist of the story, who will look forward to revisiting the local mining company zones.
Authorities decide whether the applicable regulations are permanent
Missoula County authorities are attempting to hold a series of public hearings on the matter, according to KPAX. In fact, they aim to make the zoning rules for Bitcoin Mining Activities (BTC) permanent in the county.
The Missoula County Planning Board held the first talks earlier this week, the local media representative announced.
The history of the county’s relationship with crypto mining dates back to April 2019. Hyperblock, a Canadian company, was building several 20 megawatt mining bearings at the time. In the beginning, authorities praised the fact that such a move brought multiple jobs and income for the county.
However, neighbors complained about the mining equipment, the noise of the fans, and expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact. Authorities were forced to take urgent action to regulate mining activities in Missoula.
Hyperblock was not positive about the new local zoning rules and subsequently decided to file for bankruptcy in May 2020.
Cheap hydropower prices attract crypto miners to Missoula County
The current provisional rules expire in April 2021. However, the county will decide whether or not to make the ordinance permanent after “multiple sessions of public comment”, KPAX said.
Missoula County is an attractive hotspot for Bitcoin miners because of its cheap hydropower. While there is no decision, miners could look to other crypto mining-friendly U.S. counties.
A similar situation can be observed in a region in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Bitcoin’s bull run, recorded in late 2020, put central Washington’s public utility districts (PUD) on alert and monitored them for suspiciously high utility bills.
Officials claimed crypto miners from China came to the region to take advantage of low hydropower prices.
What do you think of the public hearings on crypto mining activities in Missoula County? Let us know in the comments below.
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