How one rural tennessee town pushed back over a proposed bitcoin mine and won

Community Triumphs: How One Rural Town Halted a Bitcoin Mine and Inspired Action

In the wake of devastating floods from Hurricane Helene and the closure of its largest employer, the small, resilient town of Mountain City, Tennessee, found itself in desperate need of economic revival. What seemed like a promising solution — a proposed 30-megawatt bitcoin mining facility from CleanSpark — quickly transformed into a battle for community rights, transparency, and the very fabric of local life. This is a powerful story of how determined residents, feeling unheard and exploited, successfully pushed back against a powerful tech company and their own city leaders.

The Hidden Deal and Rising Alarm

For months, Mountain City leaders quietly courted CleanSpark, a company drawn to rural areas by cheap land, open spaces, and abundant electricity. The promise was economic revitalization, but the process lacked the one crucial ingredient: public input. Residents only learned of the plans in April, discovering that a massive industrial operation was slated for a residential neighborhood. Alarm bells rang. Concerns about incessant noise pollution, plummeting property values, and the sheer scale of the operation quickly mounted, fueled by reports from other communities, like Cheyenne, Wyoming, where CleanSpark’s facilities had already become a persistent nuisance, likened by one resident to "being on the tarmac of an airport."

A Breach of Trust: Procedural Missteps and Conflicts of Interest

The community's outrage was compounded by a shocking discovery: the proposal had already received preliminary approval in February, pushed through a planning commission meeting where "no new business" was listed on the agenda and no public was present. Mayor Jerry Jordan, despite public outcry, openly questioned his duty to the people versus his personal conviction for what was "best" for the town, often ignoring direct communications from concerned citizens. More disturbingly, significant conflicts of interest came to light: an alderman accepting a job with CleanSpark, a planning commissioner's spouse working for the local electric utility, and the town's general counsel also representing the electric company. These undisclosed ties eroded any remaining trust, painting a picture of a deal rushed through without proper ethical oversight or public consideration.

The People's Stand: Uniting for Change

Despite being dismissed and ignored, the people of Mountain City refused to be silenced. They organized, circulating a petition that garnered over 1,700 signatures, holding round-table discussions, and sharing grim lessons from other towns impacted by similar facilities. Their collective voice at public hearings was unequivocally against the mine. This unwavering opposition, coupled with the glaring procedural missteps and ethical breaches, laid the groundwork for a decisive confrontation. When local residents, fed up with the lack of response, began exploring legal avenues and securing threats of injunctions from groups like the Southern Environmental Law Coalition, the tide finally turned.

Victory for the Community: "Bitcoin is Dead in the City Limits!"

On August 7, 2025, at a pivotal board meeting, the community's persistent efforts culminated in a dramatic victory. Faced with the undeniable threat of costly lawsuits, the city board members, one by one, abstained from voting on the resolution to rezone the land for the mine. The packed city hall erupted in applause as Mayor Jordan declared: "Bitcoin is dead in the city limits!" This moment was a powerful testament to the impact of organized citizen action.

Key Takeaways for Your Community:

• Empower Your Voice: Never underestimate the power of unified community action. Petitions, public forums, and consistent communication can create immense pressure on local leadership.
• Demand Transparency: Insist on open meetings, clear agendas, and timely public notice for all development proposals. Opaque processes often hide problematic deals.
• Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Research potential industrial partners beyond their sales pitch. Investigate their track record in other communities, especially concerning environmental impact, noise pollution, and property values.
• Hold Leaders Accountable: Local officials serve the public. If they fail to listen or act in the community’s best interest, explore all avenues for accountability, including legal action.
• Identify Conflicts of Interest: Be vigilant for any potential ethical conflicts among local decision-makers and demand full disclosure.

The Path Forward

While Mountain City's immediate future remains uncertain, grappling with flood recovery and the need for new industry, their victory sends a clear message: communities have the right and the power to shape their own destiny. This success story serves as a vital blueprint for other rural towns eyed by the tech industry – a reminder that vigilance, unity, and a firm stand for local well-being can indeed overcome Goliath.