Mattie Parker (Fort Worth mayor) and Fort Worth announced on Tuesday that Fort Worth has become the first U.S. government to mine bitcoin. Fort Worth announced that it has joined forces with Texas Blockchain Council for the cryptocurrency mining project.
Fort Worth, Texas: 3 ASIC Machines Are Used to Min Bitcoins 24 Hours a Day
The climate-controlled Information Technology Solutions Department Data Center at Fort Worth City Hall is currently mining Bitcoin 24/7. Mattie Park, mayor of Fort Worth announced the announcement. Fort Worth officials explained that they will host the miners privately to reduce security risks.
Fort Worth claimed that the Texas Blockchain Council donated the Bitmain-brand S9 mining machines. Three ASIC rigs were donated by the Texas Blockchain Council and if the city “achieves the goals of responsibly assessing and executing a municipal bitcoin mining program,” it plans to “evaluate the program” afterward.
“With blockchain technology and cryptocurrency revolutionizing the financial landscape, we want to transform Fort Worth into a tech-friendly city” Parker explained in a statement sent to Bitcoin.com News. “Today, with the support and partnership of Texas Blockchain Council, we’re stepping into that world on a small scale while sending a big message – Fort Worth is where the future begins.”
Fort Worth’s mayor added:
These small but powerful machines mark Fort Worth’s larger commitment to becoming a leading hub for technology and innovation.
Fort Worth’s 3 ASICs Will Use the Same Amount of Energy as a Household Vacuum Cleaner
Fort Worth’s move comes at a time when U.S. bureaucrats and regulators have been concerned about bitcoin mining and some politicians have drafted bills (NY-A.7389C / S.6486C.) to put a moratorium in place on mining. The scrutiny has shown that the crypto mining industry is much more efficient than it was 12 months ago, and this has made a significant impact on the environment.
A recently published report written by the Bitcoin Mining Council shows that Bitcoin’s electrical consumption during the first quarter of Q1 dropped 25%. Based on the research done by the city of Forth Worth, the three machines will use the “same amount of energy as a household vacuum cleaner.”
“The nominal amount of energy needed for the program is expected to be offset by the value of bitcoin mined,” the Fort Worth announcement explains. “Keeping the pilot program small enables the city to learn the potential impact and opportunities for bitcoin,” the city added. Robert Sturns, Fort Worth’s director of economic development detailed that Texas is a pioneer when it comes to cryptocurrency and blockchain solutions.
“Texas is increasingly being recognized as the global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain, and Fort Worth will have a seat at that table,” Sturns remarked during the announcement. “The pioneering spirit is alive and well in Fort Worth, and with this program, we will attract dynamic companies that share in this vision for the future.”
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