DOE Surveys Crypto Miners on Electricity Use, Stirring Fears of Restrictions
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The U.S. Department of Energy is surveying select crypto mining companies on their electricity use, citing possible "public harm." This is worrying some that it may lead to restrictive policies.
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The DOE says it's a "policy neutral" agency, but the justification for the survey suggests they think mining incentivizes energy consumption.
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The survey questions seem fairly routine, but the timing suggests a political motive - mining's energy use is becoming a hot topic amid crypto criticism.
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There are arguments on both sides about whether crypto mining is good or bad for energy grids and the environment.
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The core issue is valuing bitcoin - debates center on its costs vs benefits, but the survey seems to presume public risks.