New Hampshire Senate to vote on controversial crypto mining bill

State senators are expected to vote on a controversial bill aimed at enticing digital currency mining operations to New Hampshire.On a large scale, digital currency mining can produce a lot of noise as the necessary computational power generates tremendous heat, which can require fans for cooling.”The one objection that I heard that had any merit to me was the sound, possible sound impacts, and the bill specifically recognizes that towns can still put in place noise ordinances that would affect the placement, and it would be effective,” said Sen. Keith Murphy, R-Manchester.The bill acknowledges existing noise ordinances but would prohibit targeted decibel limits on the budding industry.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<Critics of the bill raised several concerns.”There is high energy use. There’s high water usage. There are really loud 24/7 noises coming from these facilities,” said Catherine Corkery of the Sierra Club.Supporters said the environmental concerns are overblown.”We’re not talking about a nuclear reactor, where water could be potentially discharged into a system or river, lake or stream. We’re a long, long ways from that. I ask you to support this, to send a message to the technology world that New Hampshire welcomes business, welcomes innovation,” said Sen. Tim McGough, R-Merrimack. The bill’s prime sponsor said New Hampshire’s electricity costs are too expensive to make the state attractive, but this legislation is about future opportunities.”It’s a huge, burgeoning industry, and we want New Hampshire to be a part of it. The people opposing blockchain, they might as well be opposing the internet; it’s ridiculous,” said Rep. Keith Ammon, R-New Boston.>> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<