DOE Seeks Input from Crypto Industry Participants for New Energy Usage Survey Plan
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is gearing up for a second attempt to survey crypto mining companies about their energy usage after facing a setback due to a lawsuit. This time, the department is seeking input from industry participants before moving forward with the survey.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA), a federal agency within the DOE, recently hosted a public webinar to gather comments from interested members of the public, including crypto miners and industry participants. The goal of the webinar was to gather feedback on how the survey should be crafted ahead of a planned rulemaking proposal to be published in the Federal Register.
In January, the agency proposed a mandatory survey for nearly 500 commercial crypto miners, requiring them to provide detailed data about their energy use or face civil and criminal penalties. The proposal was met with backlash from the crypto mining community, with concerns raised about privacy and the creation of a detailed registry of mining operations in the U.S.
Following a lawsuit filed by the Texas Blockchain Council and mining company Riot Platforms, the EIA agreed to temporarily suspend the survey in February. Now, the agency is working on a new proposal based on feedback from industry participants.
During the webinar, more than 100 attendees shared their thoughts on the survey. Suggestions included involving an outside institution to conduct the survey, including traditional data centers in the survey, and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Stephen Harvey, an official with the EIA, stated that the agency is in the process of developing a preliminary proposal expected to be published in the Federal Register this quarter. The proposal will undergo a 60-day comment period, during which the industry can provide feedback. After addressing any major issues raised during the comment period, the EIA will submit a new proposal to the OMB for review.
The decision on whether the EIA can move forward with the survey will ultimately rest in the hands of the OMB following the review process. Stay tuned for updates as the DOE continues its efforts to gather data on crypto mining energy usage.
