Open Letter to DEP:

I hope this letter finds you well, although I must admit that my heart is heavy as I pen down my concerns regarding the recent approval of Panther Creek Power Plant’s permit to burn tires for Bitcoin mining machines in our beloved Nesquehoning.

As a resident deeply connected to the intricate web of life in Carbon County, the news of this approval is more than disheartening - it is a profound source of worry and anxiety. Our community, nestled amid the beauty of nature, is already grappling with higher-than-average lead levels and particulate matter due to active coal mines. The decision to add the burning of tires to this equation feels like a disregard for the well-being of the place we call home.

The implications of this decision go far beyond mere statistics or environmental data. They touch the very essence of our lives - the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we rely on for sustenance. The Lehigh Valley River, a cherished resource for fishing and recreation, now faces a new threat that jeopardizes the activities that bring joy and connection to our community.

What concerns me even more is the realization that the electricity generated from this endeavor is not contributing to the greater good of our community. Instead, it is channeled into the energy-intensive world of Bitcoin mining, a venture known for its staggering environmental impact. The Digiconomist’s estimate that one bitcoin transaction requires as much energy as 50 days of power for the average US household is a stark reminder that our resources are being allocated to endeavors that do not prioritize our collective well-being.

I speak not only as a concerned resident but as a parent who yearns for a simple dream - for my children to plant a garden without fear, to drink water from the tap without hesitation, and to run and play outside without the looming worry of smoke-filled air.

I appeal to the Department of Environmental Protection to reconsider the approval of Panther Creek Power Plant’s permit for tire burning.

Elizabeth Kudlesky

Lansford