Kingsport Embraces Cryptocurrency Mining
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen in Kingsport, Tennessee, has taken a significant step towards welcoming cryptocurrency mining operations by approving changes to local zoning regulations. This decision, made during a recent meeting, comes amid a growing debate in the United States over the noise generated by such activities—a concern that has led to legal disputes in several areas, particularly in Texas.
New Ordinance Details
Kingsport, one of the state’s larger cities and recognized for being accommodating to crypto enterprises, has passed an ordinance that facilitates the establishment of cryptocurrency mining and data center facilities. According to reports from local news outlets, this ordinance allows these businesses to operate within city boundaries, provided they meet specific conditions. Notably, any mining facility must:
- Be located within a fully enclosed building
- Be situated more than 500 feet from residential properties
Sound Regulations
Additionally, the ordinance specifies that mining operations must adhere to a maximum sound level of 60 decibels measured at the property line. Applicants are also required to conduct and submit thorough sound studies to obtain the necessary permits. This focus on acoustic regulations is particularly salient, considering the growing number of complaints from citizens in other parts of the U.S., including Granbury, Texas, where community members have initiated legal actions against mining companies due to health issues linked to noise pollution, such as severe migraines and permanent hearing loss according to the environmental advocacy group, Earthjustice.
Next Steps and Industry Growth
Although the ordinance has passed its initial vote, it awaits a second reading to finalize its implementation. This move follows a formal recommendation from the Kingsport planning division presented about a month ago. Meanwhile, the potential for rapid growth in the cryptocurrency mining sector in Tennessee is already attracting operators to the region, drawn by its low electricity costs and favorable regulatory climate.
Statewide Developments
In a notable development last September, Cleanspark secured a deal to purchase seven Bitcoin mining sites in Knoxville, underscoring the state’s appeal in this burgeoning industry. Globally, the landscape of cryptocurrency mining regulations is contentious, with various countries adopting differing approaches—some opting for stringent prohibitions while others seek to balance regulation and economic benefits offered by this sector.
