Vilonia officials have spiked a proposed crypto mine for the second time this calendar year. Yet they are dead set against encroaching on the small town’s peaceful charm. The decision comes after strong advocacy from residents over noise, electricity consumption and possible stress on the community’s internet infrastructure.

Vilonia, a community of 3,800 people just north of Little Rock, is ground zero in the battle. Residents continue to debate whether or not large cryptocurrency mining operations have any place in their primarily residential communities. This marks the second time in a year that a crypto mining facility proposal has been voted down in Vilonia.

Residents raised alarms on the noise, light and traffic disruptions a crypto mine would introduce. One resident even asked if they had “made a mistake moving here?” reflecting fears about the influx of newcomers changing the character of their community.

The town’s proposed project led to a strong discussion, where proponents claimed that the new mine would have little effect on the community. They further argued that it would bring as much as $14 million of new investment to the Vilonia community.

These arguments couldn’t convince the commission, who sided with residents’ worries. The ruling is a victory for an increasing number of Arkansas communities that are tired of waiting.

"We are Arkansas, the Natural State — not the Bitcoin mining state." - resident

This one sentence sums up perfectly the motivation to conserve the stunning vistas, special places and high quality of life that Michiganders cherish. It’s an abdication of policy-making responsibility and reflects a priori skepticism to any potential economic benefit from crypto-mining.