Blockchain
Texas Blockchain Council and Riot Platforms sue US federal agencies over crypto energy scrutiny
Texas Blockchain Council (TBC) and Riot Platforms have initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), its Energy and Information Administration (EIA), and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The legal challenge, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on Feb. 22, marks a significant pushback against what the plaintiffs consider to be unwarranted regulatory scrutiny from the Biden Administration towards the cryptocurrency sector, particularly concerning energy consumption.
The core of the lawsuit alleges that the EIA’s emergency collection of information from various TBC members, including Riot Platforms, contravenes legal standards. The plaintiffs argue that these actions breach the Paperwork Reduction Act and its regulations, accusing the EIA and OMB of acting without due process, akin to accusations previously leveled at the SEC for similar regulatory actions.
The filing sharply criticizes the government’s methodology, framing it as a blend of “sloppy government process” and “invasive government data collection” without proper justification or procedural adherence.
This legal action stems from an announcement by the EIA last month, declaring its intent to gather data on electricity consumption from select U.S.-based crypto-mining operations starting in early February. This move followed a rapid approval by the OMB of an emergency data collection request on Jan. 26, compelling commercial miners to disclose their energy usage details.
The TBC has voiced concerns over the request for detailed operational information, such as the types of machines used and the locations of mining facilities. There is apprehension that making such information public could expose the industry to further scrutiny and potential targeting, a fear that is underpinned by previous statements from The White House.
Describing the government’s initiative as a “direct assault on private businesses,” TBC and its allies are seeking legal remedies to prevent the DOE and EIA from proceeding with data collection from identified commercial cryptocurrency miners. They also aim to annul the OMB’s approval of the data collection effort, arguing for a halt to any data gathering without proper notice and a chance for public comment.
Following the OMB’s swift approval of the EIA’s request for energy usage data from 82 Bitcoin mining operations, the EIA reported a significant increase in the annual electricity consumption by crypto miners, from 0.6% to 2.3% of total usage. This has led to a declaration from the EIA of its intent to monitor and potentially regulate energy usage associated with mining operations.
Lee Bratcher, President of the TBC, voiced strong opposition to the government’s oversight efforts, suggesting that the motivation behind the survey is not grid stability but a politically driven campaign against the cryptocurrency sector.
The lawsuit represents a broader pattern of resistance within the crypto industry against perceived regulatory overreach. Notable figures such as House Majority Whip Tom Emmer have publicly criticized the Biden administration’s stance towards Bitcoin mining and the broader cryptocurrency industry, accusing it of abusing its power.
Additionally, recent legal actions, such as those by Texas-based Lejilex and the Crypto Freedom Alliance of Texas (CFAT) against the SEC, highlight the growing discontent within the industry towards regulatory pressures.
Source: Crypto News
The post Texas Blockchain Council and Riot Platforms sue US federal agencies over crypto energy scrutiny appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help finance journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.
The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.
- Prosperity or catastrophe: #Insurance2040 study reveals four possible futures for the industry
By 2040, technological innovation driven by customer centricity could pave the way to greater climate resilience and more personalized offerings by the insurance industry. Alternatively, insurance could become a luxury afforded only to the wealthiest few. - Cardinal Health announces two strategic additions to its portfolio
Cardinal Health will acquire a majority stake in GI Alliance (GIA), the country’s leading gastroenterology (GI) management services organization (MSO), from a combination of GIA physician owners and funds managed by affiliates of Apollo. Cardinal Health will also acquire the Advanced Diabetes Supply Group (ADSG), one of the country’s leading diabetic medical supplies providers, for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. - BlackRock Launches New BUIDL Share Classes Across Multiple Blockchains to Expand Access and Potential of BUIDL Ecosystem
This initiative represents the next step in the evolution of the tokenization market, by enabling BUIDL to be used within leading blockchain-based financial products and infrastructure across ecosystems. - Primo Brands Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Merger of Primo Water and BlueTriton Brands
“I believe Primo Brands is positioned to be a leader in the healthy hydration beverage category, thanks to the strength of its iconic, sustainably-sourced brands, its robust operations and extensive North American network, and its responsible operation of numerous springs across the country,” said Dean Metropoulos, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Primo Brands. - Jackson Hewitt Tax Services Expands Workforce, Offering Job Opportunities Nationwide for Upcoming Tax Filing Season
The week-long event will launch the combined hiring of 18,000 employees to prepare for the upcoming tax filing season. The Jackson Hewitt hiring events are open to the public and include on-site interviews. Qualified candidates could receive a job offer immediately. - PNC Bank to Double Planned Branch Openings to More Than 200 Across Six States This announcement brings the bank’s total investment to approximately $1.5 billion to open more than 200 new branch locations in 12 cities across the U.S. over the next five years, while completing the renovations of 1,400 existing branches during the same time period.
- Alchemy Pay Expands Virtual Card Functionality with Google Pay Support The new card BINs added will significantly enhance the capabilities of crypto cards, expanding their support for a broader range of payment scenarios and improving transaction success rates. This advancement is particularly impactful when paired with Google Pay, one of the most popular and widely used digital payment platforms, trusted by millions for its convenience and security.
- Finaya Unveils Nationwide Homeownership Platform
From providing rich and current information about home values and property conditions, to finding helpful repair and remodeling providers, to shopping for and securing the right insurance, the platform simplifies the homeownership process, making it more accessible, convenient and efficient. - GenAI predicted to inspire revenue growth in 76% of businesses, but only 4% qualify as “leaders” in AI and analytics
Kearney’s report confirms that businesses are not only aware of how big data, AI, and analytics will impact revenue generation and enhance business strategies, but they are investing to stay ahead of the curve, too. - GameAbove Sports Acquires Meaningful Ownership Stake in Brisbane Bullets with NBA Legend George Gervin as Part of Ownership Team
This move marks a significant milestone for GameAbove Sports, a CapStone Holdings Inc. company, as it expands its influence on international basketball ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. - Most US shoppers are encountering generative AI while shopping without realizing it
A survey of 700 online shoppers in the US shows 71% are unaware of having used generative AI while shopping online even though most had recently shopped at retailers currently using it. 41% of customers say they would feel comfortable using a generative AI tool from a brand they trust.
For more news like this, check out all of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire.
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