Arkansas city rejects crypto mining proposal after community pushback
The Vilonia, Arkansas planning commission rejected a proposal for a cryptocurrency mining facility due to strong resident opposition. Concerns included noise pollution, increased energy consumption, and environmental impacts. Residents feared the mining operation would disrupt the town's quiet atmosphere and strain local infrastructure, citing examples of rising electricity costs and constant noise from similar facilities elsewhere. Vilonia has a history of rejecting crypto mining, with previous proposals also denied due to sustainability concerns and minimal economic benefits. In 2024, Arkansas lawmakers introduced bills to restrict crypto mining near military facilities, though one bill was ultimately rejected. This opposition reflects a broader trend of scrutiny against crypto-mining initiatives in various US municipalities.
