The abandoned mining site in Pennsylvania

In the heart contea di elkIn Pennsylvania, a Exponation encryption The project is supported by Natural gas It sparked a storm of controversy and environmental concerns.

The concerned company, Various energyHe was scrutinized by the authorities and Environmental protection advocates To exist Abandoning a operating site Without fulfillment of obligations Good closure For gas, leaving behind a path of violations and questions.

The concerned site is called Longhorn pillowIt remained active for about ten years before reactivating it in 2022 by Diversified, which turned it into the power plant to provide it Mining generators.

However, the operation started Without an air quality permitIt is a lack of attention to the Ministry of Environmental Protection immediately in Pennsylvania.

Leaving incomplete encryption mining site: Environmental anxiety grows in Pennsylvania

Only in December 2023, the company obtained the necessary statement, but at the time of inspection in March 2025, DeP discovered that Mining infrastructure has already been removed.

the Empty warehouses And the absence of equipment led the administration to the issuance of a Official notice of violation to Well giving up.

Despite the appearances, Diversified denied abandoning the site, claiming it might be Resumption of gas production in the future.

However, according to DeP and many environmental activists, the company He did not fulfill contractual obligations Explained in the 2021 agreement, which requires this Connect the Longhorn and 13 other wells well Once their operational life ends.

Various criticism is not limited to the state of Pennsylvania.

For a long time, environmental scientists questioned the company’s business model, which depended on the acquisition Old and low -production wells To extract its remaining value, without providing adequate plans for Close and treatment.

It can cost to close one well properly 100,000 dollarsPennsylvania actually deals with Over 350,000 orphan wells and attackingIt is a number that makes the case especially urgent.

A 2022 report Diversified approach as “A model designed to fail in ApalashiaI specifically warned, without interference, Tax motives may have to bear the costs To close thousands of wells leave open.

In light of the growing general and institutional pressure, the diverse recently agreed to Connect 3000 wells by 2034As part of a A separate legal agreement.

However, the company is still a topic Organizational investigationsIncluding the investigation he started The Energy and Trade Committee in the House of Representatives US.

Winning grows in other states

Meanwhile, local authorities Horton townWhere there is the longhorn website, complaining about Non -communication From the company.

Local supervisor, PJ PiccirilloI stated that Erie Times News The generators and tanks were removed without any notice. Thus, society is left in the dark about the various future intentions.

“All we know is that the property seems to have been abandoned,”

Pixerillo male.

Pennsylvania state is not isolated. Throughout the country, Current currency mining operations They face an increase Opposition.

On April 25, for example, The Urban Planning Committee in Veloniain ArkansasHe unanimously refused a proposal to build a new mining facility within the city’s borders. All this follows a strong mobilization of the population.

In January, also in Arkansas, the legislators were presented invoice This would prohibit mining operations inside 30 miles from any American military facility.

This indicates an increasing warning of the effects of environmental and national security.

Also in TexasIn October 2024, a group of population from Gropri I filed a lawsuit against Digital marathon. Specifically accusing the mining facility Excessive noise pollution.

The challenge between innovation and responsibility

The state of various energy is highlighted The growing tensions between technological innovation and environmental responsibility.

While the cryptocurrency mining continues to expand in the United States, which is attracted by economic incentives and abundant energy resources, local communities and authorities often find themselves to management Environmental consequences And the social aspects of these activities.

Longhorn’s painting story represents a site Waking up calling. Without effective organization and strict controls, the risks are that Environmental costs From technological progress, it will be the responsibility of citizens and future generations.

In a context where Transmission Increasingly centrally, the various issue raises decisive questions about The future of mining In the United States and the need for a A balance between economic development and environmental protection.