Two Democratic senators, Sheldon Whitehouse and John Fetterman, have introduced the Clean Cloud Act in the U.S. Senate, aiming to curb emissions from cryptocurrency mining and AI data centers nationwide. This proposed legislation seeks to address the environmental impact of energy-intensive industries by addressing air quality and water pollution concerns.
The Clean Cloud Act amends the Clean Air Act to set performance standards for emission reduction across data center operations. Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, has long championed environmental policies. Senator Fetterman emphasized maintaining clean air and water while promoting technological innovation.
Potential Changes for Cryptocurrency Mining:
The act could lead to increased operational costs for cryptocurrency miners exceeding 100 kW of IT power, affecting profitability and energy strategies. The U.S. EPA will enforce the proposed emission standards. Funding from penalties will be used to support clean energy projects and local communities. This legislation aims to incentivize the transition to sustainable energy sources, a crucial factor for long-term financial stability in the industry.