Macon County Takes Steps to Regulate Cryptocurrency Mining

Macon County, located in Western North Carolina, is making moves to regulate cryptocurrency mining. The county commission has asked the planning board to review the high-impact ordinance, according to the Smokymountainnews.

Planning Board Chairman Glen Hedden proposed changes to the ordinance on May 9. The changes include adding “cryptocurrency mining facilities and/or similar server-based facilities” to the list of high-impact land uses. This list already includes disruptive developments like asphalt plants and commercial incinerators.

The proposed definition for cryptocurrency mining facilities is “the operation of specialized computer equipment for the primary purpose of mining one or more blockchain-based cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.”

The planning board also suggested adding residential properties to the list of entities that high-impact developments must maintain a certain distance from. This is in addition to existing regulations requiring separation from schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

Furthermore, the board proposed a signage requirement for high-impact developments. This would require such operations to display a sign with the operator’s name and a local phone number for emergencies. The board also suggested banning the use of cargo containers and similar storage units within cryptocurrency mining facilities.

These proposed changes aim to manage the disruptive effects of cryptocurrency mining in Macon County. A public hearing will be held to review and consider these changes.

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