US judge blocks federal survey of crypto mining energy use amid industry lawsuit
• US judge halts government effort to survey crypto mining energy use following lawsuit from industry alleging "irreparable injury"
• US Dept of Energy launched "emergency" initiative to ascertain energy use of crypto miners, which use vast computing power and electricity
• Crypto mining estimated to account for up to 2.3% of US electricity demand and 1% globally, with related CO2 emissions up to 50 million tons in US
• Crypto industry claimed administration effort was "politically motivated campaign" and an "attack" on "legitimate American business"
• Administration has been clear it wants to "limit or eliminate" bitcoin miners operating in US, which industry says is "deeply concerning"