Consider the plight of Pierce County, Georgia. LN8 Energy and landowner Tony Waters want to locate a large Bitcoin mining operation on Cason Road. They apply for a conditional use permit to set up their operation in that space. The Pierce County Commission killed the proposal more than nine months ago, back in February. Incredibly, now an appeal hearing could be scheduled as soon as July 8th. The big question: should this rural Georgia county roll the dice on a $6 million annual power bill gamble?

Six Million Dollar Question Really Worth It?

Let's be blunt: $6 million is a lot of money for a small county like Pierce. That's money that could go towards improving schools, fixing roads, or supporting local businesses. Satilla REMC claims they have the capacity, but that doesn’t issue a lack of repercussions. In conclusion, are we really sure that freeing up so much authority to an out-of-state server farm won’t increase costs for community members? Will it block future economic development?

Here's the unexpected connection: Think about agriculture. Pierce County is rooted in farming. What if instead that $6 million was used to support innovative sustainable agriculture initiatives, attracting agri-tech companies to the area or directly supporting local farmers? Would that create hundreds of more long-term, stable jobs and revenue—local and federal—compared to a one-time, boom-bust Bitcoin mine? And that’s a question we all ought to ponder.

We’re assured that the county will benefit from new sales tax revenues generated by the proposed electricity sales. But how much? Will it truly make up for the added burden it will place on our infrastructure, our natural resources and other factors? And then what happens when Bitcoin does the inevitable (and it will, let’s be real), or the mining operation becomes outdated? Or will the county be left holding the bag on it?

I am not saying Bitcoin is bad. What I’m arguing is, don’t get dazzled by the shiny objects and consider what’s best for the long-term.

Noise, Water, Values – Whose Priority?

More than 150 residents packed the town hall to protest the permit. That’s an impressive cap number for a small community such as Pierce. Their concerns are valid: noise pollution, water contamination, declining property values, and the sheer disruption to their way of life.

The new chiller system Tony Waters says will be very quiet, much quieter than other facilities with large fans. Okay, maybe. But promises are cheap. Noise travels. Even if it’s the “quieter” type, it’s still noise. It continues to affect the peace and quiet that residents cherish in a rural community.

And what about the well water? For the operation, they require a chiller system that is cooled by a well located on the property. And what will that do to the local water table? What guarantees are there that the proposed mining operation wouldn’t significantly contaminate the New York City water supply?

And it’s not only about economics — it’s about values. It’s about putting the health and safety of the public ahead of enriching a handful of private interests. The closeness to Rehobeth Baptist Church is another big sticking point. Residents fear it will hinder religious activities. Are we willing to upend an entire community’s cultural and spiritual life for the sake of a new, digital currency?

The unexpected connection? Think about the "digital divide." As innovative as Bitcoin is, we need to realize that many people do not have access to it or the knowledge to use it. Are we putting the interests of a technology that serves a few at the expense of what most people want and value?

Alternatives Exist, Think Bigger Picture

Let’s face it, Pierce County has no mega-digital mines yet for a reason. Maybe it’s not the right fit. Perhaps there are more meaningful opportunities for economic development that would be more in-line with the county’s values and resources.

What about attracting manufacturing companies? Investing in renewable energy projects? Developing ecotourism initiatives? There are much better ways to jump-start long-term sustainable economic growth. These alternatives sidestep the myriad environmental and social harms that would come with establishing a Bitcoin mine.

The unexpected connection? Think about the future. But are we making decisions that will actually serve Pierce County well for the next 30 years? Or are we just chasing a passing fad? So, are we just building an excellent foundation for a sustainable future, or are we gambling on a risky and unknown technology?

This appeal hearing is not just about one permit. It’s about the future that Pierce County wants to help create. It’s about balancing the risks and rewards, looking at the other options available, and hearing from the public’s outcry. It’s about making clear whether another $6 billion power bill toss is truly worth it.

Here’s hoping the Pierce County Commission chooses wisely. The future of their community may well depend on it.