Another US county is facing troubles related to crypto mining activities in its territory. This time around, the second-largest county in Montana is the main character of the story, which will look forward to revisiting local zones for mining operators.
Authorities to Determine the Making of Current Rules Permanently
According to KPAX, Missoula County authorities are trying to hold a series of public hearings addressing the issue. In fact, they target making zoning rules for bitcoin mining (BTC) activities permanent in the county.
The Missoula County Planning Board had already held the first talks early this week, the local media outlet said.
The story of the county’s relationship with crypto mining dates back to April 2019. Hyperblock, a Canadian company, built several 20-megawatt mining warehouses at the time. Initially, authorities praised the fact that such a move had brought several jobs and revenue to the county.
However, neighbors started complaining about the mining machinery, fan noise, and raising concerns about potential environmental impacts. The authorities were forced to take emergency measures to regulate mining activities in Missoula.
Hyperblock did not have a positive stance towards the new local zoning rules, and subsequently decided to file for bankruptcy in May 2020.
Cheap Hydroelectric Prices Attract Crypto Miners to Missoula County
The ongoing interim rules are expected to expire in April 2021. However, the county will decide whether or not to make the regulation permanent after holding “multiple public comment sessions,” KPAX said.
Missoula County is an attractive hotspot for bitcoin miners because of its cheap hydroelectric power. While no decision is in place, miners could be looking for other crypto mining friendly U.S. counties.
A similar situation occurs in a region in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The Bitcoin bull run observed in late 2020 put the public utility areas (PUD) in Central Washington on high alert, monitoring for suspiciously high power bills.
Officials claimed that Chinese crypto miners came to the region to take advantage of its low hydroelectric prices.
What do you think of the public hearings on crypto mining activities in Missoula County? Let us know in the comments section below.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, nor a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.