More than 20 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to probe crypto mining facilities within the United States.
On Wednesday, the lawmakers sent a to Michael S. Regan, the Administrator of the EPA, requesting that the agency “ensure cryptocurrency mining facilities are not violating foundational environmental statutes like the Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act.”
The legislators have “serious concerns” that crypto mining operations are polluting communities across the country and emitting “outsized” amounts of greenhouse gases.
“We request that the EPA evaluate ‘Proof-of-Work’ (PoW) mining facilities’ compliance with environmental statutes, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and engage with the communities when reviewing permits. Further, we ask that the EPA investigate and address any harm these existing PoW facilities are causing communities including, but not limited to, ensuring that electronic waste is responsibly disposed of, and noise pollution is abated.”
Jared Huffman (D-California), Chair of the Natural Resources Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, is spearheading the effort. High-profile Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) also signed the letter, as did vocal crypto critic Brad Sherman (D-California).
