Introduction to the Environmental Concerns
On February 6, the United States was reminded not just about the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining but also about how lawmakers seem to have a PhD in letter writing. This time, eight Democratic lawmakers, headlined by Senator Elizabeth Warren, pinged emails to EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Their message? The rising tide of cryptomining is making quite the environmental splash.
What Are Lawmakers Really Asking For?
The eight lawmakers, recognizing that their last correspondence was probably just a warm-up, followed up on their requests for information regarding cryptomining energy consumption. They argued that due to the escalating climate crisis, it is high time for comprehensive regulations requiring mandatory disclosures about how much energy these digital currency miners are guzzling. In their letter, they stated,
“The urgency of the climate crisis, combined with the rapid growth of cryptomining in the U.S., dictates a comprehensive mandatory disclosure and data collection regime.”
The Not-So-Secret Authors of the Letter
This ensemble of lawmakers consisted of notable figures like Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Edward Markey, and Jeff Merkley. They also included Representatives Jared Huffman, Rashida Tlaib, Katie Porter, and Richard Durbin. Talk about a powerful playlist of political voices!
Energy Star and Crypto?
Strangely enough, they also asked if the Energy Department could extend its Energy Star program reach to crypto operations. Imagine a crypto miner boasting a shiny Energy Star label! The lawmakers challenged the Energy Department to assist communities contemplating hosting mining operations. Who wouldn’t want to be the cool neighbor with a Bitcoin rig?
The Imminent Deadline
With a deadline of March 6 for a response, the clock is ticking—will the agencies roll out the red carpet for transparency or keep rolling out potential energy wastage? Meanwhile, Regan seems to have received his fair share of letters on this topic. Last year, he was critiqued by 23 lawmakers who, unlike the current crew, seemed less than impressed with the crypto industry’s environmental footprint.
The Broader Debate on Cryptomining
Rep. Jared Huffman echoed Warren’s sentiment, tweeting:
“There are a lot of concerns over the energy use and pollution caused by cryptomining.”
It’s worth noting that Regan’s mailbox has become a battleground of opinions; after lawmakers criticized cryptomining, another 14 Congress members took a moment to express their love for the crypto industry. Talk about mixed signals!
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