At the center of Elk CountyIn Pennsylvania, Mining Crypto It has a project Natural gas It sparked a storm of controversy and environmental concerns.
Related companies, Diverse energyis being scrutinized by the authorities Environmentalists To have it We abandoned the operating site Without fulfilling the obligation of Closed well In the case of gas, it leaves a trajectory of violations and questions.
The site in question was called Longhorn pad abefore being revitalized by diversification in 2022, it was inactive for almost ten years, and it was converted into a power plant to supply its supply Mining Generator.
However, the operation has started No air quality permissiona lack that attracted attention from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Pennsylvania has remained unfinished crypto mining sites.
Only in December 2023 the company obtained the necessary permits, but as of the March 2025 inspection, DEP discovered it. Mining infrastructure has already been removed.
Empty warehouse And because there is no equipment, the department Formal notice of violation for It’s often abandoned.
Despite its appearance, Diversified refuses to abandon the site, claiming it is possible Gas production resumes future.
However, according to DEP and numerous environmental activists, the company Not fulfilling contractual obligations Outlined in the 2021 contract and that was necessary. Connect the longhorn to the well and 13 other wells Once their operating lifespan is over.
Criticism of diversification is not limited to the case of Pennsylvania.
For a long time, environmentalists have questioned the company’s business model. An outdated and modest well However, to extract residual value without providing appropriate planning Closure and repair.
Close a single well properly and costs money $100,000and Pennsylvania already handles it. 350,000 orphans and abandoned wellsnumbers that make the issue particularly urgent.
a 2022 Report Diversified’s approach isModels built to fail in Appalachia. ” It specifically warned without intervention. Taxpayers may have to pay Leave thousands of wells open to close.
Under increasing mass and institutional pressures, diversification has recently agreed Plug in 3,000 wells by 2034as part of a Separate legal agreements.
But the company remains the subject Regulatory SurveyIncludes inquiries initiated by Home Energy and Commercial Committee US.
Other states are growing dissatisfaction
In the meantime, local governments Horton Townshipwhere the Longhorn site is located, Lack of communication From the company.
Local supervisor, PJ Picirillotold Ellie Times News Generators and tanks have been removed without notice. Therefore, the community leaves in the dark about Diversified’s future intentions.
“All we know is that the property appears to have been abandoned.”
He said Piccirillo.
In Pennsylvania it is not quarantined. All over the country, Cryptocurrency mining operations I’m facing Opposition from the local community.
For example, on April 25th Bilonia Urban Planning Committeein Arkansaunanimously rejected proposals for the construction of new mining facilities within city restrictions. All this followed a strong mobilization of residents.
Legislators have also introduced it in Arkansas. invoice It would ban mining operations inside 30 miles of US military facility.
It therefore shows an increase in alarms for environmental and national security impacts.
Also TexasOctober 2024, a group of residents from Granberry filed a counter-law lawsuit Marathon Digital. It specifically criticizes mining facilities in Excessive noise pollution.
The challenges between innovation and responsibility
The case of diversified energy is highlighted The growing tension between technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
Attracted by economic incentives and abundant energy resources, cryptocurrency mining continues to expand, but communities and authorities often find themselves in control of themselves Environmental Results Social aspects of these activities.
Longhorn Pad Story A site Wake Up Call. Without effective regulations and strict control, risks are Environmental Cost Technological advancements rest on the shoulders of citizens and future generations.
In the context Energy Transfer As it is becoming increasingly central, diversified cases raise important questions The future of mining In the US, the need for a Balance between economic development and environmental protection.