Lawmakers decide to study the controversial proposal further after unprecedented public concern over easing local restrictions on crypto mining operations.
Crypto Mining Deregulation Bill Faces Delay in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Senate Commerce Committee has put the state’s crypto mining deregulation bill on hold following a split vote and growing public opposition. Lawmakers voted 4–2 to send House Bill 639 for further study, signaling uncertainty about loosening municipal control over crypto mining.
The decision came after senators reported an unusually high volume of feedback from residents. “This is the most emails I’ve ever received on a single bill,” said Senator Tara Reardon of Concord, highlighting the intensity of public debate.
What the Bill Proposes
House Bill 639, sponsored by Republican Representative Keith Ammon, seeks to limit the power of municipalities to impose restrictions on crypto mining activities, including rules about electricity use, noise control, or unique local taxes on digital assets.
The bill also aims to affirm the right of individuals and businesses to mine cryptocurrencies and proposes establishing a blockchain-specific docket within the state’s superior court. This docket would handle crypto-related disputes under the supervision of a governor-appointed judge.
If passed, the legislation could position New Hampshire as one of the most mining-friendly states in the U.S., removing many local barriers that currently affect miners’ operations.
Public Concern and Environmental Debate
The bill’s delay reflects broader public anxiety about the environmental and infrastructural impacts of large-scale crypto mining. While the industry has advanced in using greener energy, residents fear potential noise pollution and energy strain on local grids.
A recent study by the MiCA Crypto Alliance and data firm Nodiens found that coal’s share in Bitcoin mining fell from 63% in 2011 to just 20% in 2024, while renewable energy use grew by 5.8% annually. Despite this progress, critics argue that unregulated expansion could still challenge the state’s energy goals.
A Growing Policy Divide Across the U.S.
New Hampshire’s debate mirrors a national divide over how to regulate crypto mining. Some states, like New York, are pursuing energy-based taxation, proposing a tiered excise tax for mining operations consuming more than 2.25 million kWh annually.
Analysts say the pause in New Hampshire’s bill underscores a pivotal moment for crypto regulation in the U.S. “States are struggling to balance innovation with environmental accountability,” one energy policy expert said.
For now, crypto mining in New Hampshire remains under local control, as lawmakers prepare for deeper study and potential revisions in 2026.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.