Questions for crypto mining
I’m writing this in reference to crypto mining. Has anyone investigated network access (network streaming television service) and how much bandwidth these facilities are using?
I live in an area of Cherokee County that is not provided fiber-optic service, only stranded copper wire phone service.
I cannot receive satellite TV service here because of the trees, terrain, etc. So, I rely on the internet.
My downlink data rate is approximately 10 Mbs. (paying for 25 Mbs). Lately, the downlink speed has dropped to less than 200 Kbs.
My concern is, “Are the crypto mining facilities hogging the bandwidth allocated to the internet providers in this area?” And, “Why would a company spend $450,000 for 3 acres of farmland?”
Tax incentives, big-business companies and power companies are stomping on the locals in Cherokee County. Probably not a thing can be done, except write articles about them, without creating backlash.
Bill Lewis, Cherokee County
Right call on crypto mines
I applaud the Clay County Board of Commissioners’ decision to place a moratorium on cryptocurrency mining operations in order to determine the appropriateness of this type of activity in our community. In addition to being noisy even when completely enclosed in a building, the operations are bad for the environment.
As was noted in past articles, cryptocurrency mining is extremely energy intensive. While it’s impossible to know exactly how much electricity cryptocurrency mining uses because different computers and cooling systems have varying levels of energy efficiency, a 2021 University of Cambridge analysis estimated that bitcoin mining alone consumes 121.36 terawatt hours a year worldwide.
This is more than the consumption of Google, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft combined. It is only getting worse because miners must continually increase their computing power to compete with other miners.
Someone mentioned lake levels at the last commissioners’ meeting, but there are very real impacts to the Hiwassee River downstream of Chatuge Dam as a result of hydropower operations. If you live on the river, you know what I’m talking about.
Even if the infrastructure does exist here to power these facilities without additional negative impacts, what benefit would we receive in exchange for all that energy usage? Certainly not good jobs since the computers do all the work.
Let’s focus our energy on something more beneficial to our community and environment.
Callie Moore, Murphy
Stop meat during Lent
In Western churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides for a 40-day fast in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. Many Christians abstain from animal foods during Lent.
However, a meat-free Lent is more than a symbol of devotion to Christ. A meat-free Lent reduces the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation, and animal abuse. Volumes have been written linking consumption of meat with increased risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and more.
A 2007 United Nations report noted meat production as the planet’s largest source of pollution and greenhouse gases. And undercover investigations document farm animals being beaten, crowded, deprived, mutilated, and shocked.
Lent offers an opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by extending a meat-free diet beyond Lent; it’s the diet mandated in Genesis 1:29 and observed in the Garden of Eden.
Today there’s a rich array of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, as well as readily available vegetables, fruits, and grains. Decide to make this change for Lent, but commit to keeping meat off your plate all year.
Armando Jacinto, Marble