In the heart of Contia di elkIn Pennsylvania, a crypto mining Project powered by natural gas aroused a storm of controversy and environmental concerns.
The company involved, Diverse energywas examined the authorities and environmentalists for abandoned an operational site without fulfilling the obligations of fence For gas, leave behind a trace of violations and questions.
The site in question, called Padhorn Longhorn ahad remained inactive for almost ten years before being reactivated in 2022 by diversified, which transformed it into a power plant to provide its operating generators.
However, the operation started Without a license for air qualityA lack that immediately drawn the attention of the Pennsylvania environmental protection department (DEP).
A cryptography extraction site is not over: environmental concern is developing in Pennsylvania
It was not until December 2023 that the company obtained the necessary permit, but at the time of an inspection in March 2025, the DEP discovered that The mining infrastructure had already been removed.
THE empty warehouses and the absence of equipment led the ministry to issue a Opinion formal violation For well -abandoned.
Despite appearances, Diversified has denied the abandonment of the site, saying that it could resume gas production in the future.
However, according to the DEP and many environmental activists, the company has not fulfilled the contractual obligations described in an agreement in 2021, which forced him to Connect the longhorn a well and 13 other wells Once their operational life is over.
Diversified criticisms are not limited to the case of Pennsylvania.
For a long time, environmentalists have called into question the business model of the company, which is based on the acquisition obsolete and low production wells to extract their residual value, without, however, provide adequate plans for Closure and correction.
The correct closure of a single well can cost $ 100,000And Pennsylvania is already faced 350,000 orphaned and abandoned wellsA figure that makes the problem particularly urgent.
A 2022 report describes the diversification approach as a “model designed to fail in the Appalachians. “He specifically warned that without intervention, Taxpayers may have to bear costs To close thousands of wells left open.
Under increasing, diversified public and institutional pressure has recently accepted Connect 3,000 wells by 2034as part of a Separate legal agreement.
However, the company continues to be subject to regulatory surveysincluding a survey initiated by the Energy and Commerce Committee of the Chamber of UNITED STATES.
Dissatisfaction also develops in other states
In the meantime, the local authorities of Canton of Hortonwhere the Longhorn site is, complain about lack of communication of the company.
The local supervisor, Pj piccirillotold the erières du Time who Generators and tanks have been deleted without any notice. Thus leaving the community in the dark on the future intentions of Diversified.
“All we know is that the property seems to have been abandoned”,
said Piccirillo.
The case of Pennsylvania is not isolated. Across the country, Cryptocurrency exploration operations are faced with the increase opposition from local communities.
On April 25, for example, the Vilonia Town Planning CommissionIn ArkansasUnanimously rejected a proposal to build a new mining installation within the city limits. All of this followed a strong mobilization of residents.
In January, also in Arkansas, legislators Invoice This prohibits mining operations 30 miles of any American military installation.
Indicating a growing alarm for the implications of environmental and national security.
Also in TexasIn October 2024, a group of residents of Granzar filed a complaint against Digital marathon. Specifically accusing the mining installation of Excessive noise pollution.
A challenge between innovation and responsibility
The case of a diversified energy highlights Growing tensions between technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
While the exploitation of cryptocurrencies continues to develop in the United States, attracted by economic incentives and abundant energy resources, local communities and authorities often find themselves managing the environmental consequences and the social aspects of these activities.
The history of Pad Longhorn a site represents a awakening. Without effective regulations and strict controls, the risk is that environmental costs Technological progress will fall on the shoulders of citizens and future generations.
In a context where the energy transition is increasingly central, the diversified affair raises crucial questions Future of mining in the United States and the need for a balance between economic development and environmental protection.
