New Hampshire environmentalists are lobbying state Republicans to kill legislation that would shield cryptocurrency miners from regulation.
The “Blockchain Basic Laws,” or H.B. 639, would restrict state and local officials from imposing noise limits, special electricity rates or other “discriminatory” regulations on cryptocurrency mining operations. It would also create a special judicial docket for blockchain-related disputes.
The bill passed the state House in April before stalling in the Senate, where the Commerce Committee deadlocked on the bill 3-3. The panel is expected to reconsider the bill on Oct. 30. Republicans control both chambers.
Green groups, which criticize crypto’s heavy demand for energy and water, see a chance to torpedo the legislation by emphasizing to libertarian-leaning Republicans the importance of local control.
