The Persistent Hum in Trump’s Rural Base: How Bitcoin Mining is Stirring Unrest

The Persistent Hum in Trump’s Rural Base: How Bitcoin Mining is Stirring Unrest

For the past five years, residents of Dresden, a small village in New York’s Finger Lakes region, have grown accustomed to an unusual and persistent backdrop: a mechanical hum emanating from the nearby Greenidge Generation power plant. Once dormant, the facility was revived in 2020 and converted into a Bitcoin mining operation—an enterprise that has sparked growing discontent in the local community.

“It’s a nuisance,” says Ellen Campbell, who owns a lakeside property on Seneca Lake. “We didn’t sign up for the constant hum.”

This rural village of roughly 300 people, surrounded by vineyards, farms, and winding roads, is experiencing a tension familiar to many rural American towns—between preserving natural serenity and embracing economic development. However, Dresden’s frustration also reflects a broader political paradox: resistance to President Donald Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency agenda is emerging from within the very communities that helped propel him back to the White House.

A Booming but Noisy Industry

The hum, caused by industrial cooling fans used in Bitcoin mining, is not unique to Dresden. Across the U.S., Bitcoin mining facilities are sprouting, attracted by soaring cryptocurrency values and access to low-cost energy. With an estimated 137 mining sites operating across 21 states, Bitcoin mining now accounts for up to 2.3% of the nation’s electricity consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

While economic benefits are touted, the environmental footprint and noise pollution are sparking widespread concern. Lori Fishline, another Dresden resident, describes it as “a constant, loud humming noise that you just can’t ignore.”

The issue has become politically charged. Some residents, like Campbell, are reconsidering their long-held support for the Republican Party. “I’m not happy with the party right now,” she admits, frustrated by Trump’s advocacy for expanded domestic crypto mining.

National Discontent, Local Consequences

This pattern of opposition is not limited to Dresden. In Niagara Falls, New York—more than 300 miles west—local authorities imposed a moratorium on new crypto mines in 2021, citing noise concerns. Granbury, Texas, followed suit, erecting a 24-foot sound barrier at a mining site after complaints of sleep disruption and migraines.

All of these facilities were established before Trump’s return to office. However, the backlash they have sparked suggests that local Republican officials may face increasing pressure from constituents, despite federal support for the industry.

From Critic to Crypto Champion

Trump’s stance on Bitcoin has shifted dramatically. Once calling it a “scam,” he now champions the cryptocurrency, vowing in June 2024 to make the U.S. the world’s leader in Bitcoin mining. The Trump family has launched several crypto ventures, including the currency $TRUMP and the mining company American Bitcoin, which aims to trade on the Nasdaq.

This pivot reflects both political strategy and economic opportunity. Following China’s 2021 crackdown on crypto mining, the U.S. has become the world’s top Bitcoin producer, responsible for around 40% of global output.

Legal Battles and Local Resistance

The Greenidge facility, now gas-powered, claims compliance with state environmental regulations. However, its future is under legal scrutiny from New York authorities, who argue that the plant’s conversion from coal to gas may not meet the stringent requirements for continued operation.

Local resident Abi Buddington, a vocal opponent of the plant, describes heightened tensions and divisive town hall meetings. “There’s a real shift—not just environmentally but in our sense of community,” she says. Buddington believes that with better education on the environmental impacts, even conservative communities are beginning to resist.

Not everyone agrees. Dresden Mayor Brian Flynn supports a balance between industry and recreation, saying, “I’m pro-business, whether it’s Greenidge or agriculture.”

The Real-World Impact of Digital Assets

Bitcoin mining’s high energy demands have significant real-world consequences. A Harvard study published in Nature Communications found that 34 U.S.-based Bitcoin mines consumed more electricity than the city of Los Angeles and exposed millions to harmful air pollution. This has driven up energy costs in some areas, such as Plattsburgh, New York, where residents saw winter electricity bills spike by up to 40%.

Plattsburgh eventually enacted restrictions, causing most mining operations to leave. “Fortunately, we put a stop to it,” recalls former mayor Colin Read.

A Growing Movement Against Crypto Mines

Opposition is mounting even in staunchly pro-Trump regions. In Gilmer County, Georgia, over 1,000 residents attended a public meeting to protest a planned mining facility—successfully halting its development. Nearby Fannin County and a regional coalition of 18 counties have since issued guidelines aimed at curbing new mining operations.

“When you threaten our peace and property, the answer is a firm ‘no,’” says activist Cyndie Roberson.

The Federal Push for Crypto Infrastructure

Despite local pushback, the Trump administration is pursuing policies to support the industry, including the construction of dedicated power plants next to mining sites. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated in April that this approach would “stop these stories about power costs affecting household appliances.”

Zack Shapiro of the Bitcoin Policy Institute notes that states are beginning to pass laws barring municipalities from banning Bitcoin mines, giving companies a legal means to bypass local restrictions.

Yet the industry remains highly mobile. “This is a footloose industry,” says Read. “When we imposed stricter regulations, they just moved elsewhere.”

Looking Offshore and Beyond

Future mining sites may not remain on land. Experts suggest offshore facilities using surplus wind and tidal energy could become viable alternatives, particularly where no other buyers exist for that energy.

Moreover, Bitcoin itself may not remain the dominant digital asset. Some experts argue that more energy-efficient alternatives could eventually outcompete it, reshaping the crypto landscape.

As federal support continues, conflicts over crypto mining are set to intensify—playing out not just in Washington, but in small-town councils and courtrooms across the country.

Even in communities that backed Trump, the hum of Bitcoin mining may be too loud to ignore.