The U.S. Energy Information Administration will collect data on Bitcoin mining
The United States Office of Administration and Budget (OMB) has authorized the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to require mining companies to provide detailed data on electricity consumption and use.
The EIA issued an emergency permit to OMB after it became clear that the combination of a severe cold snap and increased miner activity caused by rising bitcoin prices could cause "increased uncertainty in the electricity markets." The energy industry claims that "uncontrolled mining activities can cause significant public harm if the methods of supervision remain in the usual legal field."
The actions of the Department of Energy and the U.S. Energy Information Administration have drawn sharp criticism from some major miners. Lee Bratcher, President of the Texas Blockchain Council, and Perianne Boring, head of the U.S. Chamber of Digital Commerce, said:
"The EIA's extraordinary measures amount to an abuse of authority by the federal authorities and have serious consequences for all representatives of the crypto industry who rely on data centers for their activities. We believe that the EIA's actions are politically motivated and aimed at helping the White House achieve a reduction in the number of mining companies. We will use all available legal means to achieve the cancellation of the permit."
