Legal Gray Zones and the Limits of Local Power in Texas Crypto Mining

[tradelikepro]

Bitcoin Mining Hashrate World Map. Source: Chain Bulletin

Texas’ status as the largest Bitcoin mining hub in the U.S. — hosting nearly 30% of national hash power by 2023 — is built on cheap land, low taxes, and a deregulated energy market. But Hood County’s struggle underscores a crucial constraint: counties lack authority to enforce noise ordinances. Only incorporated cities can set binding limits.

County officials attempted to rely on state “unreasonable noise” statutes in 2024, but those efforts failed in court, revealing how permissive state standards are compared to typical municipal noise laws. Residents have since turned to a private nuisance lawsuit, arguing that constant noise and vibration substantially interfere with their ability to use and enjoy their homes.

[johnblockbuster]

This is why large crypto facilities need better zoning and community protections