The environmental impact of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) has been a hot topic of debate for over a decade now. BTC detractors have been accusing the world’s largest cryptocurrency of destroying the environment for years, from mining companies being driven out of nations to the environmental dangers of the Proof-of-Work [PoW] method. However, the spotlight seems to have diverted from environmental crises to noise complaints.
Earlier, the fierce debate over the consumption of energy of BTC mining did the rounds. It was estimated the amount of energy utilized for BTC was increasing, and it consumed as much energy annually as entire countries like Finland, Malaysia, or Sweden. Studies even exclaimed that the average BTC transaction required over 1,700 kWh of electricity each month, which is about twice the quantity used by the average U.S. home.
However, that issue seemed to be addressed by figuring out ways to transact Bitcoin (BTC) through lesser energy consumption. Exacerbating the problem, some bitcoin mining firms partnered with troubled fossil fuel power plants, allowing certain power plants to stay operational that would otherwise have been shut down, resulting in increased overall carbon emissions. Some providers had even immediately entered the BTC game.
Just as the energy consumption issue was being devoted to, a new one pops up. There seems to be an issue with the noise being transmitted because of the BTC mining.
Ruling states Bitcoin mine violates zoning laws; yet allowed for an appeal
In light of recent events, on 14 March 2022, a Bitcoin miner in Tennessee who had been in disagreement with locals and municipal officials over noise concerns lost a court battle. According to News Channel 11, a judge decided that Red Dog Technologies’ mining activity violated zoning laws. However, an appeal petition was approved.
As a consequence of the noise issues, Bitcoin had taken a hit. The Washington County Chancery Court determined the mine to violate zoning laws. Bitcoin mining operations, as per Chancellor John Rambo, will not be authorized to function in that area under normal circumstances. Allyson Wilkinson, the county attorney, said,
“The people in the Limestone area have been living with this unpermitted use … in their community for over 300 days, so we’re very grateful that this court was able to make itself available and put in the time and the thoughtful consideration to make the ruling based on Tennessee law.”
With new technology, there is always a period of adjustment for society, rules, and legal institutions to respond to new difficulties. Could this be an era of change for the crypto world? Only time will tell. At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at $40,698.56 with a daily drop of 1.29%.