Bitcoin Mining's Environmental Impact: A Health Concern
New York City, Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
A study finds that 34 major U.S. Bitcoin mines used more energy than Los Angeles in 2022-2023, exposing 1.9 million Americans to harmful PM2.5 pollution.
Scale of Energy Consumption
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications reveals that from mid-2022 to mid-2023, the 34 largest Bitcoin mining operations in the United States consumed 32.3 terawatt-hours of electricity, surpassing the entire energy usage of Los Angeles [1]. The research found that 85% of this electricity was generated from fossil fuels, utilizing 138 coal-fired and 497 natural gas-fired plants [1].
Health Impact Zones
The environmental burden of these mining operations has created distinct pollution hotspots across the country. Four regions have emerged as particularly affected areas, with residents exposed to the highest Bitcoin mine-attributable PM2.5 concentrations of ≥0.5 μg/m3: New York City, the Houston/Austin metropolitan area, Northeast Texas, and areas along the Illinois/Kentucky border [1]. In New York City, Staten Island and Queens experienced the highest concentrations, reaching 0.67 μg/m3 and 0.59 μg/m3 respectively [1].
Push for Renewable Alternatives
The cryptocurrency industry is facing mounting pressure to transition to renewable energy sources. Some mining operations are already moving in this direction, with evidence suggesting that Bitcoin mining could actually accelerate renewable energy adoption [2]. Recent research indicates that solar farms incorporating Bitcoin mining can achieve return on investment twice as fast as traditional solar installations [2][3].
Cross-State Environmental Challenge
A particularly concerning aspect of Bitcoin mining’s environmental impact is its cross-jurisdictional nature. The study reveals that mines in one state can induce air pollution in other states, often hundreds of miles away from the source [1]. This geographical disconnect creates significant regulatory challenges, as state governments lack jurisdiction to control activities beyond their borders [1]. The situation is especially critical as these operations continue to expand, with proposed capacity increases that could double the current power usage from 3,910 MW to 7,945 MW [1].