A coalition looking to rein in crypto mining across the U.S. is asking EPA to take steps to better protect people from the facilities’ effects on the environment and nearby communities.
The National Coalition Against Cryptomining in a letter Thursday urged Administrator Lee Zeldin to boost the agency’s oversight of proof-of-work crypto mines. The facilities are used to validate cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and consume large amounts of electricity and water because they run 24/7.
“Communities all over the country are advocating for measures to address the negative effects of proof of work cryptomining, and state and local officials are responding with action,” the group said in the letter. “Now it’s time for the federal government to follow their example.”
EPA did not provide comment on the letter.
