A Pennsylvania environmental organization, Save Carbon County, has taken legal action against Stronghold Digital Mining, alleging that the company's crypto mining operations, which reportedly involve burning waste coal and tires for energy, are causing environmental damage.

The lawsuit also names the Pennsylvania state government as a defendant, marking the first time the state has been sued for allowing crypto mines, which the NGO argues violates citizens' right to a clean environment. Stronghold Digital Mining is accused of emitting six million tons of carbon dioxide annually, with the environmental group advocating for less energy-intensive mining methods.

Save Carbon County is seeking compensation for pollution and environmental harm caused by Stronghold's activities. However, Stronghold denies the accusations, claiming it is working on environmental cleanup efforts.

The company previously acquired Panther Creek for cryptocurrency generation but has faced violations related to unpermitted air pollution. In addition to using coal waste, Stronghold has started burning tires for power generation, which experts warn can lead to harmful air pollution.

Russell Zerbo from the Clean Air Council at Penn State highlights the dangers of burning tires, emphasizing the lack of sustainable mining methods.

Lena Klaaßen from the Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the energy sources used in Bitcoin mining and argues that entities involved in Bitcoin transactions should consider their emissions as part of their environmental responsibility.