In Granbury, Texas, residents are protesting against Constellation Energy’s plan to expand its Wolf Hollow II power plant, citing concerns over environmental and health impacts. The expansion is partly driven by the need to support a large Bitcoin mining operation run by Marathon Digital, which already operates a 300-megawatt Bitcoin mine on the site. Local residents have reported severe noise pollution from the mining operation, which has disrupted their lives and potentially contributed to various health issues.
The proposed expansion, known as Wolf Hollow III, would add new turbines and increase emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This has heightened tensions among residents, who are concerned about worsening air quality and further noise pollution. The community, which includes both supporters and opponents of the Bitcoin mining operation, feels that their concerns are being dismissed in favor of economic interests.
The situation reflects a broader conflict between local communities and large-scale industrial projects linked to Bitcoin mining. The expansion of Bitcoin mining operations in Texas has been associated with increased demand on the state’s power grid, prompting legislative actions to support more gas-fired power plants. This expansion is controversial, as it raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Bitcoin mining and its impact on local environments and public health.
