In a significant ruling, a federal judge in Fort Worth, Texas, has denied a motion from Marathon Digital Holdings, a Florida-based Bitcoin company, to prevent residents of a rural community in Hood County from voting on whether to incorporate as a new city. Judge Reed O’Connor’s decision comes amid tensions surrounding the company’s Bitcoin mining operation, which residents claim has been a source of considerable noise pollution and health issues.
Judge O’Connor issued the ruling in the federal Northern District of Texas, where Marathon had sought a temporary restraining order to halt an election for Mitchell Bend to become Texas’ latest city, aiming to regulate the nearby Bitcoin mine. The judge determined that the company did not demonstrate a “substantial threat of irreparable harm,” nor did he find that enforcing a preliminary injunction would serve the public interest.
O’Connor noted that, even if the incorporation were to succeed, Marathon could still contest the legitimacy of the election and the creation of Mitchell Bend after the election results were certified. As of now, the question of incorporation remains on Hood County’s ballot.
Residents of Mitchell Bend, who have been advocating for this incorporation, expressed optimism about the upcoming election. Local resident Danny Lakey emphasized that they followed the state incorporation process meticulously. “State law is pretty clear when filing an incorporation,” he stated, reflecting the community’s resolve in pushing forward with their plans.
Marathon Digital Holdings has termed the election “illegal,” alleging that Hood County officials and residents conspired to facilitate the vote. A spokesperson for the company articulated that municipal incorporation should genuinely serve the needs of communities and not be manipulated against legitimate businesses.
While the company has not provided a comment following the ruling, local residents maintain that incorporating as a city is crucial for them to gain control over the noise levels emanating from the mining operation. Cheryl Shadden, a resident living near the mine, conveyed her desperation for relief, stating, “I’m praying to God… We just want to sleep in our beds in peace at night.”
The ruling allows for a crucial moment where Mitchell Bend residents can finally decide their community’s future, a move seen as necessary in light of ongoing complaints regarding the adverse impacts of the Bitcoin mining facility. The election is set to proceed, and the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome that could lead to improved living conditions.
