Macon County adopts ordinance to regulate cryptocurrency mining

The Macon County Board of Commissioners on June 13 unanimously adopted an amendment to Chapter 157 of the county code to regulate cryptocurrency mining facilities and similar server-based operations.

Planning Director Joe Allen told the board the Planning Board reviewed the issue and presented recommended ordinance changes developed to regulate businesses that previously were unregulated. Two residents who spoke during a public hearing urged the board to deny such operations. “It is like other fads and will be gone by 2030,” citizen Narelle Kirkland said during public comment, and she warned of the large amounts of electrical power such operations can consume.

County Attorney Eric Ridenour said the amendments establish a regulatory framework where none existed, giving the county clearer standards for permitting and oversight. Commissioner Young moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Shields seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: supporters of regulation said the ordinance gives the county tools to address noise, heat, and utility impacts tied to concentrated server operations, while opponents of allowing the businesses argued the facilities could draw significant local power and change neighborhood character.

What happens next: the ordinance was adopted at the June 13 meeting; any applications for such facilities will be reviewed under the newly adopted code provisions.