Mining of cryptocurrencies has become big business here in the US. But communities where these crypto miners have moved in have misgivings about their new neighbors. New York, with its abundance of affordable hydroelectric power, became one popular location. In rural Navarro County, Texas, local Jackie Sawicki is fighting the arrival of a crypto mining facility planned by a company called Riot Platforms.
Studies estimate that global bitcoin mining uses more electricity than most countries, and that bitcoin mining may be responsible for about 65 megatons of carbon dioxide a year, comparable with the emissions of Greece. Some bitcoin operations are bringing old coal plants back on line, even as lobbyists for the bitcoin mining industry argue that mining operations can have a positive impact on the climate by creating more demand for carbon-free power. But even if all of the power were derived from green sources, is bitcoin mining really the best use of renewable electricity?
This episode features a report by multimedia journalist Lily Jamali of the public radio program Marketplace, who takes us inside a crypto mining facility in upstate New York.
Guests:
Rolf Skar, Senior Advisor, Greenpeace USA
Brittany Kaiser, Chair of the Board, Gryphon Digital Mining
Thomas Cmar, Senior Attorney, Earthjustice
For show notes and related links, visit our website.
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