Michaela
Summary: Why are Granbury, Texas residents upset about the local Bitcoin mining facility?
Residents say the nonstop noise from MARA Holdings’ Bitcoin mining site is harming their health and quality of life. They’ve reported headaches, sleep issues, vertigo, and stress tied to the 24/7 noise. Some have even filed a lawsuit, claiming the facility has made their town unlivable.
Residents of a small Texas town have reported health issues they say are caused by relentless noise pollution from a Bitcoin mining facility operated by MARA Holdings, one of the largest cryptocurrency mining firms in the U.S.
A new video from the nonprofit More Perfect Union spotlights ongoing complaints from residents in Granbury, Texas, who say they’re subjected to nonstop noise generated by a nearby Bitcoin mining facility.
“They just moved in on top of us,” Nick Browning, an elderly resident, stated. “I have a constant headache right in the back of my head or either over my eyes. I’ve been in [the] hospital 2 or 3 times,” he added.
Nick and his wife, Virginia, who have lived in Granbury for 35 years, say life hasn’t been the same since MARA Holdings opened its Bitcoin mining facility. They describe the experience as “hell,” pointing to the dramatic shift in their day-to-day peace.
Virginia, now in her 80s, said she struggles with vertigo and expressed concern about her cognitive health, noting that she has to worry about her brain “not working right.” Another resident stated that nearly every family in the area has experienced health issues, which they attribute to the constant 24-hour operation of MARA’s 300-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility.
Prolonged exposure to industrial noise, such as that generated by Bitcoin mining facilities, has been linked to a range of health issues. Experts say residents living near these operations may experience sleep disturbances, heightened stress levels, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems due to the persistent low-frequency hum of cooling systems and generators.
Mental health effects, such as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, can also emerge when individuals are subjected to constant noise pollution without reprieve.
In October 2024, a group of Granbury residents filed a lawsuit against MARA Holdings, alleging that the persistent noise from the company’s Bitcoin mining facility has caused a range of emotional, psychological, sensory, and physical health issues.
Prior to the lawsuit filing, several executives from the cryptocurrency mining sector met with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. This meeting appeared to influence Trump’s public endorsement of Bitcoin mining, which he subsequently emphasized in his campaign promises during a speech at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville.
Granbury, a predominantly Republican town, saw a substantial number of its residents vote for President Trump in the recent election. However, when questioned about their views on Trump, cryptocurrency, and his financial gains from the industry, many expressed little support or enthusiasm.
When asked if he regretted voting for President Trump, resident Tom Weeks expressed regret specifically regarding the handling of Bitcoin-related issues. He clarified that his concerns were not with the cryptocurrency industry itself, but with the impact on the town of Granbury, which he felt had been overlooked and neglected.
Some residents, however, do not attribute blame to President Trump or the Bitcoin industry as a whole, but instead hold the individual companies responsible.
Read More
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- Bitcoin Mining Explained: How New Coins Enter the Blockchain
Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
