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06/01/26
22
Residents Reject Municipality to Regulate Bitcoin Mining Noise in Hood County
Residents of a small community in Hood County, Texas, have faced an unsuccessful effort to establish a new municipality in order to regulate noise levels emanating from a nearby Bitcoin mining operation. The initiative, known as Mitchell Bend, aimed to carve out a two-square-mile jurisdiction within the broader county, home to approximately 600 residents.
In a vote held recently, only 38% of the 138 participating voters supported the proposal. The effort was driven by longstanding complaints from local residents regarding the disruptive noise produced by MARA’s Bitcoin mining facility, which operates around 60,000 mining machines. The noise has reportedly caused sleepless nights, headaches, and hearing issues among residents, leading some to consider relocating from the area.
MARA, one of the operators behind the mining activity, has taken steps to mitigate the noise impact. These include constructing a 24-foot wall intended to buffer sound and converting many cooling fans to a liquid cooling system aimed at quieter operation. Despite these improvements, residents continue to perceive the noise as intrusive, fueling their pursuit of establishing Mitchell Bend as an independent municipality to implement stricter noise regulations.
Earlier attempts by MARA to block the vote included filing a lawsuit, asserting that the incorporation would negatively impact the company’s operations and potentially result in additional taxing burdens. However, these legal efforts were unsuccessful, and the company expressed satisfaction with the election outcome.
Community members remain determined to find alternative solutions to address their concerns. Some residents have historically challenged the company’s compliance with noise regulations, though previous legal actions have not resulted in lasting resolutions. Similar conflicts are reflected elsewhere, such as in Arkansas, where proposals for new crypto mining facilities have been rejected due to opposition from local communities.
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