Opposition to cryptocurrency mining is mounting across Georgia, as residents and local officials express concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of these operations. Cryptocurrency mining, the process of creating Bitcoins and other virtual currencies at large server farms, has sparked significant debate in rural areas of the state.
In the North Georgia mountains, Gilmer County residents recently succeeded in blocking a rezoning proposal for a cryptocurrency server farm. Just north of Gilmer, Fannin County has taken a more drastic step by enacting a ban on crypto mining altogether.
Further south, the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, representing 18 predominantly rural counties, has introduced a model ordinance. This ordinance aims to help local governments impose restrictions on the development of cryptocurrency farms.
Critics argue that these server farms are excessively noisy, heavily strain electricity and water resources, and fail to create enough jobs to justify their negative impacts.
“It’s the biggest con on the public ever,” said Cyndie Roberson, co-founder of Gilmer County Citizens Against Crypto Mining. Her group managed to rally hundreds of residents to oppose the proposed server farm at a county planning commission meeting. “So many attended, people were wrapped around the courthouse,” Roberson added.
The issue has reached the Georgia General Assembly, where a bill was introduced this year to promote the cryptocurrency industry. The bill proposed a sales tax exemption on equipment for cryptocurrency server farms and sought to prevent local governments from enacting noise ordinances specifically targeting these operations.
Cryptocurrency mining already has a significant presence in Georgia, with 30 operations documented across 20 communities, including Rome, Dalton, Swainsboro, Sandersville, and Brooklet. Georgia ranks second in the nation for cryptocurrency mining, trailing only Texas.
Last year, a cryptocurrency mining facility was established in Cedartown. The operator addressed the city commission about the facility’s noise levels and electricity consumption. Although the site did not initially require special use permits due to its industrial zoning, the commission later revised the code. Now, crypto mining operations must obtain a conditional use permit, which requires approval from both the city’s planning commission and city commission.
“Bitcoin mining is more than just an economic activity,” said Bo Ginn, manager of the Sandersville crypto mining operation for Nevada-based CleanSpark Inc., during a legislative hearing in February. “It’s an important technological advancement that brings substantial investment, innovation, and job creation to Georgia, especially to our rural communities.”
However, not all lawmakers are convinced. Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, described the experience with a crypto mining server farm in Adel as “terrible.” She criticized the noise levels and the minimal economic benefits, stating, “The noise is absolutely atrocious. They bring no money in, no jobs in, except for people who are there guarding the place.”
Houston also highlighted the strain on the state’s power grid, exacerbated by the energy demands of large data centers. State lawmakers recently passed legislation to temporarily suspend a tax break for data centers, a measure vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp. “We’ve built two (nuclear) reactors over at Plant Vogtle, and we’re using so much power, we’re going to have to build another one,” Houston warned. “When we have to build another reactor, it’s going to be the taxpayers of this state who have to pay for it.”
Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, who sponsored the cryptocurrency bill, indicated that while it is not his top priority for the 2025 legislative session, he believes the issue requires attention. He suggested that the model ordinance could be a starting point, allowing for the development of crypto mining operations with standards for noise levels and appearance.
“I think those who are seeking to move these here would be amenable to reasonable accommodations,” Hilton said.
Bob Sherrier, a staff attorney with the Atlanta-based Southern Environmental Law Center, supported local regulation over state control. “Some industrial areas (suitable for a server farm) are next to residential,” he noted. “It should be within the control of local government to say, ‘That area’s OK, and that area’s not.’”
As the debate over cryptocurrency mining continues, Georgia communities grapple with balancing technological advancement and local quality of life.
