Cryptocurrency miner Diversified Energy has abandoned a natural gas-powered site in Elk County, Pennsylvania, leaving behind unplugged wells and facing regulatory violations. The operation, named Longhorn Pad A, began in 2022 without an air quality permit, later obtained in December 2023. A March 2025 inspection revealed vacated facilities and led to a violation notice due to well abandonment. Despite claims of potential resumption in gas production, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and environmental advocates assert the company has not honored its commitment to plug the site and 13 additional wells under a 2021 agreement. The state's struggling environment is exacerbated by the presence of over 350,000 orphaned wells, and critics label the company’s model as detrimental to Appalachia, warning taxpayers may bear the costs for unaddressed well plugging. Local officials reported surprise over the sudden removal of equipment, indicative of abandonment. Regulatory scrutiny remains, considering Diversified’s broader implications for well management and environmental policy in the region.

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