Could New York State’s ban on the energy-intensive activity foreshadow similar actions in other parts of the country?
In the wake of the nation’s first moratorium on cryptocurrency mining operations, should the industry worry that more states will follow New York’s example? Clio Chang outlines the state’s new policy in Curbed.
“Over the past few years, upstate New York has seen a proliferation of these plants that ‘mine’ digital currencies using fossil fuels, often repurposing old aluminum mills and coal plants in the area.” The New York bill, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul last week, will last for two years and applies to “new ‘proof of work’ fossil-fuel crypto plants, which utilize enormous amounts of energy to feed high-powered computers to validate new coins. It doesn’t apply to individuals — or companies — who have already filed paperwork in the state.”
Cryptocurrency mining has come under fire from environmentalists for its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. “Global mining of just one kind of cryptocurrency, bitcoin, consumes more electricity than all residential lighting in the U.S. and produces about half the emissions of the global tobacco industry, according to the University of Cambridge.”
FULL STORY: Is New York’s Crypto-Mining Moratorium the Start of a Trend?
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Some of the least expensive electricity in the country can be found in Upstate New York, where cryptocurrency miners are starting to set up shop—with or without local approval.
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Tampa Pilots Solar Sidewalks
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The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.
Early Sharrow Booster: ‘I Was Wrong’
The lane marking was meant to raise awareness and instill shared respect among drivers and cyclists. But their inefficiency has led supporters to denounce sharrows, pushing instead for more robust bike infrastructure that truly protects riders.
Push and Pull: The Link Between Walkability and Affordability
The increased demand for walkable urban spaces could make them more and more exclusionary if cities don’t pursue policies to limit displacement and boost affordability.
Memphis: Crime-fighting Camera Sheds Light on Police Abuse
The irony is unmistakable. Public surveillance cameras, long controversial in the criminal justice community, provided pivotal video footage of the beating of motorist Tyre Nichols by five Memphis police officers at a traffic stop on January 7.
How Autonomous Cars Could Impact Energy Use
The complex algorithms used by self-driving vehicle technology use massive amounts of energy, which could lead to a steep rise in carbon emissions as autonomous cars become more commonplace.
Safe Streets Grants Announced
The federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program funds planning and implementation for road safety projects aimed at reducing traffic deaths and building safe infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
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