Georgia lawmakers, environmentalists blast tax break plan to expand crypto-mining in state

A proposal designed to boost the already thriving Bitcoin-mining industry in Georgia has crashed into concerns over the noise created by local crypto-mining operations and the drain on electricity and water resources.

The bill, sponsored by Peachtree Corners Republican Rep. Scott Hilton, would grant crypto mining companies a sales tax exemption on equipment purchased to outfit their centers, sets out in state code that the centers can lawfully exist in areas zoned for industry and blocks local officials from passing any noise limits specific to the centers.

Hilton’s attempt to bolster the emerging industry was quickly met with concerns from lawmakers in both parties, cities and counties, environmentalists and the head of the state’s securities and charities division.

“We built two reactors over at Plant Vogtle, and we’re using so much power, we’re going to have to build another one,” said Rep.