Environmentalists Sue To Stop NY’s First Cryptocurrency Mine

Environmentalists sued to block New York's first cryptocurrency mine.

The lawsuit is brought by the Sierra Club and other environmental groups against the city of Malta, in the north of the state, which plans to build a cryptocurrency mine that will be powered by coal. The group argued that the mine would harm local air quality and contribute to climate change.

According to Reuters, the proposed mine would be built in an old limestone quarry and could eventually employ more than 100 workers. The company behind the project, Bitfarms Ltd., based in California, said it will use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind at its site and recycle wastewater from water mining. drink for the surrounding communities.

The Sierra Club said these claims were not enough to justify building an industrial-scale cryptocurrency mining pool in upstate New York. The nonprofit also raised concerns about increased electricity demand during peak hours for data centers built nearby, which could lead to higher prices for consumers. Users do not have access to renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.