Blockchain advocacy group slams EIA's 'politically motivated' investigation into U.S. cryptocurrency mining industry

Recently, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) received permission from the Biden administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct a survey among U.S. cryptocurrency miners. The environmental impact assessment concluded that if traditional mining activities continued, there was a "high likelihood of causing a public hazard." Two blockchain advocacy and public policy organizations — the Texas Blockchain Council and the Chamber of Digital Commerce — criticized the decision as overstepping its authority. Both organizations shared a joint statement on their websites, including one co-written by Lee Bratcher, board member and chair of the Texas Blockchain Council, and Perianne Boring, founder and CEO of the Digital Chamber of Commerce. letter. The letter details: "EIA's mandatory emergency investigation of electricity consumption data is the latest step in a political movement against Bitcoin mining, cryptocurrency and U.S.-led innovation." Both parties believe that the actions of the Department of Energy and EIA is politically driven and ignores critical upgrades needed for America’s aging power system and grid reliability. (Bitcoin.com)