A four-year dispute between residents of rural Hood County and a nearby Bitcoin mining site highlights the social costs of the crypto boom in Texas. Homeowners turned against one of the largest digital asset mining companies in the state.
The conflict revolves around a large Bitcoin mine managed by MARA Holdings near Granbury, in the outskirts of Hood County.
Bitcoin mining is becoming a constant mental torment.
Residents say that a constant, low humming noise from the facility's cooling systems makes their daily lives an endless ordeal. MARA (formerly Marathon Digital) states that it operates legally, brings investments and jobs, and has taken steps to reduce the noise. The mine started in 2022 next to a natural gas plant outside Granbury. Soon, residents reported noise day and night; they compared it to 'standing on a runway' or 'at the edge of Niagara Falls.' Complaints increased in 2023 when the site was expanded.
‘This noise hits me every day as soon as I step outside my back door,’ said a resident in a recent Al Jazeera report. Others spoke of sleepless nights, headaches, and stress. ‘The community is sick,’ said another resident. ‘It’s more than noise; it’s a physical attack. It’s tormenting.’
Texas crypto boom hits local limits
Texas has become the largest Bitcoin mining center in the United States, with nearly 30% of the national mining capacity in 2023, due to cheap land, low taxes, and a free energy market. This growth now clashes with an important legal fact: counties in Texas generally cannot create enforceable noise regulations. Only cities can do that.
In 2024, officials in Hood County attempted to leverage a state law on 'unreasonable noise' and issued fines if the noise level exceeded a certain threshold.
But this attempt fell apart in court because the legislation is less strict than standard municipal noise regulations.
Lawsuits and noise studies
Residents came together and filed a civil lawsuit against the state, claiming that the noise and vibrations from the mine severely disrupt their enjoyment of living.
The case is still ongoing; there are discussions about access to operational data and measurements.
Separately, Hood County commissioned an independent noise report at the end of 2024. It revealed that the noise level near the site is elevated and that the legal noise standard in criminal law is much less strict than the standards in other cities.
The investigation also mentions that there was limited access and collaboration, making a full assessment under all business conditions impossible.
MARA claims to have invested heavily to mitigate the impact. The company built a large sound wall, replaced some of the cooling fans with quieter versions, and partially switched to liquid cooling.
In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, MARA said it had invested over $320 million locally, supported dozens of jobs, generated tax revenue, and remained 'committed to being a good neighbor.'
For the residents, these measures are insufficient.
‘This was our home forever,’ said a homeowner. ‘I can’t sell my house. Now I pay more tax than my house is worth.’
Failed attempt for City Holder
In 2025, residents attempted a last resort: they wanted to change their community into a city so they could create their own noise regulations.
This drew attention nationwide and faced legal opposition from MARA, but a judge allowed a vote to take place. Ultimately, a majority rejected the idea, and municipal status was not granted.
‘That was the plan,’ said an organizer to Al Jazeera. ‘But it failed because they lost that battle.’
Now that municipal status is not possible, the residents indicate that they will continue their fight through the courts.
