HB230 is here. So the question becomes, are we really celebrating innovation, or just Connecting Communities to an ecological catastrophe in our own backyard. That’s a question that warrants a tough scrutiny, stripped of all the glossy brochures, lame New Urbanism buzzwords, and prospects of unicorn-fueled economic prosperity. Let’s cut through the noise.

Crypto Mining: Is It Really Green?

Forget the carefully crafted PR spin. That myth—brought to us courtesy of crypto’s new greenwashing campaign—deserves debunking, pronto. We're told innovation is inherently good, but what happens when that innovation guzzles electricity like a Hummer at a gas station, belches noise pollution into our communities, and potentially drains our already scarce water resources?

HB230 essentially greenlights proof-of-work crypto mining in Utah with minimal oversight, allowing these practices to flourish unchecked.

Think about it like this: you wouldn't let a factory pump pollutants into your local river just because it promises jobs, would you? Why are we rolling out the red carpet for an industry that’s premised on high energy use? This key contradiction points to deeper questions about sustainability.

This myth that the climate impact of crypto mining can be mitigated by using 100% renewable energy is a seductive argument, but profoundly misleading. Each new kilowatt-hour consumed by miners is one kilowatt-hour no longer available for our homes, schools, and businesses. Are we really ready for the competition for resources that is sure to come — and the electric rate increases that are sure to ensue?

Utah's Water Crisis Escalated By HB230?

Utah is no stranger to drought. We understand the preciousness of water. HB230 takes the easy way out by not addressing the significant water usage by crypto mining facilities. According to some estimates, these facilities would use up the water needed by the equivalent of 300,000 homes each year. In a state suffering the impacts of a historic 20-year megadrought, that’s not only irresponsible – it’s downright reckless.

Utah farmers are already facing water restrictions. Are we really going to allow creation of a new form of digital currency to take precedence over the welfare of the farmers who grow our food? It's a question of values, and HB230 sends a chilling message about where Utah's priorities lie.

Imagine the headlines: "Utah Farmers Forced to Fallow Fields as Crypto Miners Thrive." It's not a pretty picture, is it?

Local Control Stripped Away By HB230?

This isn’t just an environmental concern, though — HB230 is a direct assault on local governance. It removes the power of cities and counties to use zoning restrictions and noise ordinances to regulate crypto mining operations. Once created, communities have limited recourse to protect themselves from the destructive effects these noise nuisances wreak on their community. When operating, the sound is comparable to that of a continuously running semi-truck engine.

Let that sink in: your local government, the body closest to the people, is being told to butt out while a largely unregulated industry sets up shop. It’s a prime example of putting corporate handouts ahead of the needs of the community.

Are we really going to allow tech bros to decide mainly where we’ll be able to construct new schools or hospitals. The erosion of local control is always a slippery slope and HB230 is a huge leap in the wrong direction.

Make no mistake—HB230 is being sold as an innovation boon, a necessary step toward Ohio’s much-lauded economic renaissance. But at what cost? Higher electricity rates? Drained water resources? Powerless communities?

This isn't about being anti-innovation. It's about demanding responsible innovation. It’s about making sure that as we move forward, it’s not at the cost of our precious environment, our affected communities—and quite frankly, our future.

We can’t sit on the sidelines and be quiet participants in this discussion. Utah’s future – and our planet’s – is counting on it. Let’s ensure our newly elected officials know we’re speaking to them in one strong, unified voice. The days of short-sighted corporate giveaways are long gone. It's time to prioritize people and planet.

  • Contact your elected officials: Let them know you're concerned about the environmental impact of HB230.
  • Support organizations advocating for responsible crypto regulation: Several groups are working to ensure that the crypto industry operates sustainably and ethically.
  • Educate yourself: Learn more about the environmental impact of crypto mining and share your knowledge with others.

We can't afford to be passive observers in this debate. Utah's future – and our planet's – depends on it. Let's make sure our elected officials hear our voices loud and clear. The time for short-sighted corporate giveaways is over. It's time to prioritize people and planet.