The US Department of Energy will destroy information about Bitcoin miners after losing in court

On March 1, 2024, the Texas Blockchain Council (TBC) and Riot Platform notified the court that they had reached an agreement with the US Department of Energy. As part of this, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will stop collecting data and destroy all records of Bitcoin miners.

What's the matter?

In early 2024, the US Department of Energy initiated an “emergency” collection of data on Bitcoin miners. The department's decision faced criticism from the crypto lobby.

TBC and Riot Platforms filed a lawsuit against the Department of Energy and several other government agencies and obtained an injunction.

The parties noted that the collection of data by the department under such conditions is contrary to the law. The agency's actions posed a direct threat to miners due to the risk of disclosure of confidential information and possible prosecution, the plaintiffs noted.

Decision on the case

According to the notice dated March 1, the parties reached an agreement and terminated the proceedings. EIA will immediately stop data collection and destroy all information received.

However, the department will still conduct an inspection, but under different conditions. Counterparties will be notified in advance and will be able to leave public comments.

Republican Tom Emmer, who supported TBC's claims, said the EIA cannot use emergency powers to blindly blame Bitcoin miners and label them a national threat.