The city of Vilonia in Arkansas has rejected a proposal for cryptocurrency mining after community opposition.

Source: Cointelegraph Original text: "The city of Vilonia in Arkansas rejects cryptocurrency mining proposal after community opposition"

After strong opposition from residents, the planning committee of Vilonia, Arkansas unanimously rejected the proposal to establish cryptocurrency mining facilities within the city limits.

According to local media reports, this decision was made after weeks of community protests. During this time, citizens expressed concerns about the potential noise pollution, increased energy consumption, and overall environmental impact that cryptocurrency mining operations could bring.

During the public meeting, residents of Veronia expressed concerns that mining operations could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the town and put pressure on local infrastructure.

Many people illustrate that in other regions, the operation of similar facilities has led to an increase in electricity costs, and mining equipment continuously generates noise.

A community member expressed to THV11: "I just want to ask, was it a mistake for us to move here? We didn't invite these people here. I grew up here, and I am a graduate of Vilonia. We are the Natural State of Arkansas, not the Bitcoin State of Arkansas."

The city of Vilonia had previously faced cryptocurrency mining projects. In past years, residents expressed a lack of interest in welcoming miners, citing concerns about long-term sustainability issues and limited local economic benefits.

In 2023, the city's planning commission rejected Vilo AR's application to build a cryptocurrency mining facility in the city and permanently revoked its license.

In the same year, residents of Vervonia strongly opposed the proposed construction of a cryptocurrency mining facility by Green Digital near residential areas, citing concerns over the noise generated by high-powered mining computers and potential political connections.

In 2024, the Arkansas legislature passed two bills restricting cryptocurrency mining in the state.

In January this year, an Arkansas lawmaker proposed a bill to prohibit cryptocurrency mining operations within 30 miles of any U.S. military facility in the state.

The Senate bill (SB 60) proposed by Senator Ricky Hill and House Speaker Brian Evans aims to amend the 2023 Arkansas Data Center Act to ensure that cryptocurrency mining facilities are located away from military installations.

However, the Arkansas Senate Committee on City, County and Local Affairs ultimately rejected the bill.

Arkansas's opposition to cryptocurrency mining centers reflects a growing trend of increasing scrutiny by local governments across the United States towards cryptocurrency mining projects.

In October 2024, a group of residents in Granbury, Texas, filed a lawsuit against Marathon Digital, accusing its mining facility of generating excessive noise.

The lawsuit claims that residents experience physical symptoms due to noise, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, hearing loss, memory problems, and even psychological issues.

Related suggestions: Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, has been rated as the most cryptocurrency-friendly city in the world.