- A new study claims that 1.9 million Americans have been exposed to increased air pollution from Bitcoin mining
- The 34 largest U.S. Bitcoin mines have consumed more electricity than the entire city of Los Angeles
- Pollution from fossil fuel plants powering these mines has been linked to health risks, particularly in four U.S. regions
A new study has revealed that Bitcoin mining in the U.S. has led to significant increases in fine particulate air pollution, with 1.9 million Americans exposed to higher levels of harmful emissions. The Harvard-led study, titled ‘The environmental burden of the United States’ bitcoin mining boom’ and published in Nature Communications, claims that communities hundreds of miles away from the mines, including New York City and Houston, have borne the brunt of the environmental fallout. The study also found that the 34 largest Bitcoin mines used 32.3 terawatt-hours of electricity from mid-2022 to mid-2023—85% of it from fossil fuels.
Unprecedented Energy Use, Widespread Impact
The key finding from the study is that the rapid expansion of Bitcoin mining operations in the U.S. has triggered a surge in fossil-fueled electricity generation. The study found that these mines used 33% more electricity than the entire city of Los Angeles, raising serious concerns about public health. Fossil fuel plants, particularly coal-powered ones, ramped up production to meet the demand, emitting fine particles (PM2.5) known to increase the risk of premature death and respiratory disease.
The finding that 85% of Bitcoin mining operations in the U.S. between mid-2022 and mid-2023 came from fossil fuels contrasts with the notion that the growth in U.S.-based Bitcoin mining since China’s 2021 ban has been focused on renewable energy. Of course, the study does not take into account mining practices over the past 12 months, which may have used more renewable energy.
Pollution Travels Far from the Source
One of the study’s key findings is that those affected by the pollution often don’t live near the mines themselves, noting, “Americans living in four regions—including New York City and near Houston—were exposed to the highest Bitcoin mine-attributable PM2.5 concentrations.” In New York City, some communities inhaled air with PM2.5 levels up to 0.67 µg/m³ attributable solely to distant Bitcoin operations—accounting for nearly 9% of all PM2.5 pollution in the area.
The pollution linked to Bitcoin mines originates from plants like the W.A. Parish Generating Station in Texas and the Shawnee Fossil Plant in Kentucky—facilities notorious for lacking modern pollution controls. According to the study, “Bitcoin mines, which are largely unregulated in the U.S., are an emerging and significant challenge to environmental health.” The authors suggest federal regulation may be necessary, citing the inability of affected states to control pollution crossing state lines.
A Call for Accountability
The researchers emphasize the need for policy responses, including federal-level emissions standards and careful siting of new mining facilities. They conclude, “A comprehensive understanding of these issues will establish accountability and inform effective environmental and public health policies.”
