Tom Emmer, the U.S. Representative, pointed out the Biden administration for collecting data from the Bitcoin mining companies. He argued over OMB’s objection to public criticisms over the decision as an emergency where the assessment is done without properly ascertaining its implications.
In this argument on X platform he stated that Bitcoin mining is not a public safety issue, and the information collection is a “power abuse” and called Bitcoin a threat. He placed a value on the industry’s role in the Bitcoin network and American values of openness and permission-less attributes.
Emmer argued that the policy should be tied to broader concerns of the administration’s energy policy, implying that crypto is the one being sought while other energy consumption concerns are ignored. Additionally, Emmer questioned the reasons given for data collection, arguing that the mining process is dynamic and capable of adapting to the energy requirements and that the survey is going too far as it seeks Scope 3 climate data.
He told FOX Business in another interview that companies who ignore the order may be held liable criminally and civilly, according to which they might face penalties of up to 10,000 dollars per day. The survey period ends in July requiring the companies to submit data every month as it pleases them.
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