The New Hampshire Senate Commerce Committee deadlocked on a pivotal crypto mining deregulation bill Thursday, ultimately voting 4–2 to pause its progress and send it for further study. This split decision comes amid a surge of public concern over House Bill 639, which seeks to strip municipalities of their power to regulate aspects of crypto mining such as electricity usage and noise restrictions. The bill also aims to prevent state and local taxes uniquely targeting digital assets and to establish a dedicated blockchain docket in superior court.
Originally tabled in May for revisions and coalition-building, the measure is sponsored by Republican Representative Keith Ammon and is expected to return to the full Senate in 2026. Senator Tara Reardon noted the extraordinary volume of constituent emails opposing the bill, highlighting the community’s deep apprehension.
Crypto mining, essential for securing proof-of-work blockchains like Bitcoin, has faced criticism for environmental impact, though recent data shows a significant shift towards renewable energy sources and a decline in coal use. Despite these industry improvements, varying state-level responses—such as proposed excise taxes on energy consumption in New York—reflect ongoing debates about balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
For more on this story, visit: https://cointelegraph.com/news/new-hampshire-senate-stalls-crypto-mining-deregulation-bill-after-split-vote”;