Bitcoin News Today: Texas Residents Sue MARA Holdings Over Health Impacts of 300-MW Bitcoin Mining Noise

Residents of Granbury, Texas, are escalating their complaints against a Bitcoin mining facility operated by MARA Holdings, alleging severe health impacts from persistent noise pollution. The facility, located in an unincorporated area of Hood County, has drawn attention for its 300-megawatt capacity and the disruptive low-frequency noise it generates. In a video by the nonprofit More Perfect Union, residents living within a mile of the site described chronic headaches, sleep deprivation, and stress-related illnesses, with one elderly resident stating, “It never goes away, headaches never go away,” as the facility’s hum was clearly audible in the background [1]. A group of residents filed a lawsuit in October 2024, accusing MARA (formerly Marathon Digital) of exacerbating pre-existing conditions and causing sensory and psychological harm [1]. The facility, initially developed by Compute North before its bankruptcy in 2022, was acquired by MARA in January 2024.

The controversy highlights growing tensions between cryptocurrency infrastructure and local communities. Environmental lawyer Mandy DeRoche of Earthjustice noted the unique nature of mining noise, stating it differs from typical traffic pollution due to its “incessant” low-frequency nature [1]. Residents argue that regulatory gaps in Texas—where the state’s low energy costs and deregulated market attract mining operations—have left them without recourse. “It’s about corporate accountability,” said a representative from a Texas environmental watchdog, emphasizing the need for safeguards [2]. Despite repeated complaints, MARA has not publicly responded to allegations of negligence, and local leaders face challenges in addressing the issue independently [1].

The political implications of the dispute are also gaining traction. Months before the lawsuit, MARA executives met with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, who later endorsed Bitcoin mining in campaign promises. One resident expressed regret over supporting Trump in 2024, criticizing the “ignorance” of the administration toward community health impacts [1]. While the Trump-led Congress has yet to pass mining-specific legislation, recent bills addressing stablecoins and digital asset markets indicate shifting regulatory priorities [1].

MARA’s financial strategy further complicates the narrative. The company recently announced plans to issue $1 billion in convertible senior notes, partly to purchase Bitcoin, leveraging its 50,000 BTC holdings (worth $6 billion at the time of publication) to bolster its market position [1]. Despite these moves, Bitcoin’s price remains largely unaffected by the controversy, currently hovering near $119,000 [3]. Analysts suggest that while local disputes may not directly impact broader market trends, they underscore the industry’s growing social and environmental scrutiny. “The industry’s expansion must include dialogue with affected communities,” one expert stated, warning that neglecting public concerns could undermine long-term legitimacy [2].

Residents continue to demand stricter noise ordinances and environmental impact assessments, with advocates calling for federal intervention to address gaps in oversight. The case in Granbury serves as a cautionary example of the trade-offs inherent in cryptocurrency’s rapid expansion, where economic incentives often overshadow community well-being. As the debate unfolds, the outcome could influence how regulators balance technological innovation with public health priorities in the U.S.

Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph, [https://cointelegraph.com/news/granbury-texas-mara-bitcoin-mining](https://cointelegraph.com/news/granbury-texas-mara-bitcoin-mining)

[2] The Real News Podcast, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3736156****6488/posts/1084556719762373/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/3736156****6488/posts/1084556719762373/)

[3] CoinGecko, [https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/bitcoin/usd](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/bitcoin/usd)