Diversified Energy Abandons Longhorn Crypto Facility
Diversified Energy has come under fire after reportedly leaving a natural gas-burning cryptocurrency mining facility in Elk County, Pennsylvania, exposed without fulfilling its legal obligation to cap the wells.
The property, Longhorn Pad A, had remained inactive for close to a decade when Diversified reactivated it in 2022 to support crypto mining operations. The firm, however, did not apply for the air quality permit required before it embarked on the venture, as stated in a report by the Erie Times-News. Although the permit was subsequently issued retroactively in December 2023, an inspection done in March 2025 discovered that the facility had already been shut down.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found the site devoid of production equipment and sent a notice of abandonment in formal manner. Regulators and local authorities are in doubt, though Diversified says the facility can be re-started.
Broken Promises and Environmental Concerns
According to a consent agreement reached in 2021, Diversified had the responsibility of plugging the Longhorn A well and 13 others upon the shutdown of production. To date, none are reportedly capped.
Environmental groups have long complained about the business model of acquiring marginal wells to access remaining gas without adequate planning for plugging in. Pennsylvania alone has over 350,000 abandoned wells, with a clear environmental and financial threat.
A 2022 watchdog report warned that Diversified’s business model puts taxpayers on the line for cleanup costs, terming it as a “business model built to fail Appalachia.” It might cost over $100,000 to plug a single well.
Broader Criticism of Crypto Mining
Diversified’s action comes on top of growing criticism of crypto mining across the U.S.
On April 25, officials in Vilonia, Arkansas closed a proposed mining facility amid opposition from local residents. This spring, Arkansas lawmakers proposed a bill that would outlaw crypto mines near military bases.
In Texas, a resident sued Marathon Digital in 2024 over noise from equipment used for mining. The increased scrutiny is a sign of an American grappling with the environmental and social cost of crypto mining.
Local Officials Not Informed
In Horton Township, where Longhorn’s facility is located, local officials indicate that the firm provided no notice before removing equipment.
“All we know is the property seems abandoned,” said supervisor PJ Piccirillo.
Since Diversified is under constant scrutiny—the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce is one—pressure mounts for the company to be held accountable for its green obligations.
