US Department of Energy Mandatory Survey of Bitcoin Miners Faced with Criticism According to a Bloomberg report, the US Department of Energy's new mandatory survey of Bitcoin miners has been criticized as an abuse of power by the Biden administration. Two groups, including the Texas Blockchain Council, argue that the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) emergency action is a federal overreach that will have ramifications for all industries that rely on data centers for their operations. In response, the EIA stated that they are conducting multiple surveys with energy producers and consumers and hope to work with cryptocurrency companies to provide a clear understanding of energy consumption. Bitcoin mining requires significant energy consumption, which raises concerns among policymakers and electricity grid planners about the strain on US grids and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Freeing up electricity for others to use during critical times helps reduce grid stress
