Diversified Energy’s gas-powered mining facility was found to be operating without properly capping the underlying wells, an environmental requirement when repurposing gas infrastructure. Regulators and advocacy groups warned that uncapped wells can leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, posing both safety and ecological hazards.
The company’s failure to adhere to closure protocols sparked debates over whether crypto mining should inherit decommissioned fossil-fuel assets without stringent oversight. Critics argue comprehensive remediation standards are essential to prevent environmental backsliding.
