Pennsylvania environmental NGO Save Carbon County filed a lawsuit against Stronghold Digital Mining for allegedly emitting six million tons of carbon dioxide per year as a result of its crypto mining operations. The lawsuit also names Pennsylvania state as a defendant for permitting crypto mines and failing to protect residents from environmental harm. Stronghold has been accused of causing public nuisance, public liability, and negligence and the environmental group is seeking compensation for engaging in crypto mining-related pollution and causing environmental harm. Stronghold has denied the accusations and stated that it is cleaning up land and water in the locality, reclaiming over 1,050 acres of once-blighted land for local communities.
In 2021, Stronghold Digital Mining Inc. acquired Panther Creek to generate cryptocurrency, receiving at least seven violations related to unpermitted air pollution under the Department of Environmental Protection. The company has also been burning tires to fuel its power generation mix, which has raised concerns about harmful air pollution, specifically polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution that includes carcinogens. Russell Zerbo from Clean Air Council at Penn State stated that there are no sustainable methods for crypto mining, as it is a complete waste of electricity. Lena Klaaßen, co-founder of the Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute (CCRI), emphasized the need for transparency regarding the energy sources used for Bitcoin mining and the industry’s responsibility to prioritize decarbonization in light of the climate crisis.
The lawsuit filed by Save Carbon County highlights the environmental impact of Stronghold Digital Mining’s crypto mining operations and calls attention to the lack of regulations and oversight in Pennsylvania state when it comes to permitting crypto mines. The lawsuit accuses Stronghold of emitting a significant amount of carbon dioxide through its mining activities and causing environmental harm through public nuisance and negligence. Stronghold has defended itself by claiming that it is cleaning up land and water in the area, turning once-blighted land into sports fields, parks, and fishing spots for local communities. However, the environmental group seeks compensation for the pollution and environmental harm caused by the company.
Stronghold Digital Mining’s use of burning waste coal and tires for energy-intensive Bitcoin proof-of-work mining has raised concerns about harmful emissions and air pollution. The company’s acquisition of Panther Creek has resulted in violations related to unpermitted air pollution, with the burning of tires adding to the environmental impact of its operations. Clean Air Council at Penn State has warned about the dangers of burning tires, which can increase PAH pollution and include carcinogens. Additionally, there are no sustainable methods available for crypto mining, according to experts, as it is an electricity-intensive process that contributes to carbon emissions and environmental harm.
The debate over the environmental impact of crypto mining, particularly in relation to Bitcoin mining, has highlighted the need for transparency and sustainable practices within the industry. The Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute (CCRI) has emphasized the importance of disclosing energy sources used for mining and prioritizing decarbonization efforts to address the climate crisis. Entities that hold Bitcoins for transactions are responsible for Bitcoin-related emissions as part of their scope 3 emissions, underscoring the need for accountability and sustainability in the crypto mining sector. The lawsuit against Stronghold and Pennsylvania state reflects growing concerns about the environmental consequences of crypto mining and the industry’s responsibility to mitigate its impact on the environment.
