US-based Bitcoin Miners File a Case Against EIA, DOE and OMB

On February 22, 2024, the Texas Blockchain Council (TBC), Riot Platforms, and the Chamber of Digital Commerce filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The lawsuit was presented to the United States Department of Energy. It highlights a particular point in the continuous integration of the crypto industry and network regulators.

This case is the result of the offensive statement of the plaintiffs about information concerning energy consumption in cryptocurrency mining activities.

What led to the legal complaint?

It arose from the OMB’s January decision, in which the EIA approved an emergency request to collect data on energy usage from 82 Bitcoin mining operations, including Riot Platforms. 

The plaintiffs and Tom Emmer, a US representative, have criticized this move and stated that it represents an abuse of power targeting the crypto industry. The filing documents include a multifaceted critique of the government’s action, indicating carelessness in the process and referencing unrealistic self-made urgency and government data collection.  

Head of Public Policy at Riot Platforms, Brian Morgenstern, expressed his views on the matter, stating, “Proud of our team standing up against unlawful government overreach. Fanatics declared a phony emergency to publish the proprietary information of Bitcoin miners to attack decentralized assets & advance a CBDC. We must fight at this step in order to win at the next & the next.”

What are the Views of Bitcoin miners in the USA?

The core of the complaint matches allegations of procedural violations and overreach. The plaintiffs argue that the EIA and DOE breached the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and the Administrative Procedure Act by increasing the approval and implementation of the survey without proper public notice and opportunity for comment.

The plaintiffs claim that this action lacks legal justification and imposes burdens on crypto miners by compelling them to disclose proprietary energy consumption data, potentially leading to irreparable damage to the business.

Highlights From the Legal Document

Violations of Legal Procedures

Accusations that the EIA and DOE failed to comply with PRA’s public notice and comment requirements render the emergency information collection request (ICR) approval process arbitrary and unlawful.

Inadequate Justification for Emergency Collection

The plaintiffs dispute the DOE’s rationale for emergency data collection, arguing that it fails to meet established criteria for such expedited actions.

Confidential informational concerns

The forced disclosure of sensitive business information under the emergency ICR is said to outpace the competitive positions of cryptocurrency miners.

Lack of Proper Notice and Opportunity for Comment

The filing criticizes the defendants for not allowing sufficient notice or opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the information collection request, violating the PRA’s directives.

Relief Request

The plaintiffs ask for judicial relief to prevent the enforcement of the emergency ICR, including an order to vacate the DOE’s emergency approval of the request.

Conclusion: Implication of the Case

This lawsuit marks a remarkable moment in the ongoing dialogue between the Bitcoin industry and regulatory bodies in the US. It essentially reflects the industry’s willingness to get involved in legal battles to protect their interests.

Amanda Shinoy is one of the few women in the space invested knee-deep in crypto. An advocate for increasing the presence of women in crypto, she is known for her accurate technical analysis and price prediction of cryptocurrencies. Readers are often waiting for her opinion about the next rally. She is a finance expert with an MBA in finance. Quitting a corporate job at a leading financial institution, she now engages herself full-time into financial education for the general public.