Residents in the rural community of Hood County are expressing frustration, claiming their local government officials are obstructing their right to vote on a measure designed to protect them from a nearby Bitcoin mining operation they allege is negatively impacting their quality of life.
During a recent session of the Hood County Commissioners Court, County Judge Ron Massingill announced he had rejected a petition, supported by dozens of residents from the unincorporated area of Mitchel Bend. The petition called for a vote on incorporating their community, a move they believe would empower them to enact local regulations to mitigate the effects of the Bitcoin facility.
Judge Massingill stated that the petition did not meet the minimum requirement of 50 registered voter signatures. However, residents have already submitted a revised version of the petition, hoping to secure a voice in shaping the future of the Bitcoin operation.
“We’ve had enough of being ignored; we’re tired of the bullying tactics. We’re fed up with massive corporations coming into our community and disrupting our lives,” stated Daniel Lakey during a public address to the commissioners.
The facility, owned and operated by Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA), a company based in Florida, began operations near Mitchell Bend, close to Granbury, approximately three years ago. Since then, residents have voiced concerns over noise pollution and potential health issues attributed to the plant, as reported by The Fort Worth Report.
“We started noticing a persistent loud noise; we could hear it clearly even inside our home, despite having the radio and laundry machines running,” explained Donna Adair, who lives about a mile from the Bitcoin mine.
Adair further stated that both she and her husband have developed tinnitus, a condition characterized by a constant ringing sensation in the ears.
Neither MARA nor Judge Massingill’s office have yet responded to requests from KERA for comments regarding the situation.
Camilo Diaz
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Fort Worth Report
Cheryl Shadden, a resident in the area and administrator of the “Bitcoin Noise Hood County” Facebook page, reports being diagnosed with permanent conductive hearing loss, which she attributes to the noise emanating from the Bitcoin facility. Shadden has become a key organizer among Mitchell Bend residents, coordinating efforts to address the persistent noise issue.
“We narrowed down our options to legal action or incorporating as a town,” Shadden explained. “Our GOP chair advised us last year that to gain any control over the industry in our area and the resulting harm to our community, incorporation would be necessary.”
Shadden also mentioned ongoing legal battles against MARA, including an injunctive lawsuit supported by the environmental advocacy organization Earth Justice. Additionally, the group has retained a personal injury attorney to represent community members who are reporting health problems and declining property values linked to the Bitcoin mine.
According to Shannon Wolf, a precinct chair for the Hood County Republican Party, the deadline for submitting the second petition to Judge Massingill for validation was Monday, August 18.
She further expressed concern about the lack of transparency from Judge Massingill.
“He didn’t inform us that he had withdrawn the incorporation measure that was slated for the November 4th ballot. He also failed to communicate that August 18th was the final date for inclusion on the ballot,” Wolf stated. “We would have remained completely unaware if he hadn’t mentioned it during the Commissioner’s Court session.”
Shadden emphasized that if Judge Massingill refuses to approve the second petition, the group is prepared to pursue their case through the judicial system.
“We are prepared to take this all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary,” Shadden asserted.
Pablo Arauz Peña is KERA’s growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at parauzpena@kera.org.
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