Bitcoin and cryptocurrency lobbying typically hasn’t received much attention over the past decade. But a recent fight to protect miners from dangerous language in a federal infrastructure bill brought this part of the industry to the fore. Two leading advocates share their perspectives on lobbying for bitcoin mining.

This conversation is essential for anyone in the mining industry that wants an update on the advocacy work being done at the state and federal levels to education lawmakers about mining and defend the ability for American miners to operate and grow in the US.

Video Recording

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Audio Version

Show Notes

Introductions (timestamp)

  • Tom Mapes, Mining Analyst at Chamber of Digital Commerce: professional background in energy policy working at the Energy Department and previously on the Hill for several energy-focused representatives. The more energy regulation and fights came to miners, it drew his attention to the industry.
  • Trystine Payfer, Director of Communications at Riot Blockchain: professional background in public policy, communications and lobbying. She worked for both parties and worked on a variety of public policy affairs work for different large technology companies. She love her normie job, but wanted to do Bitcoin.

What's the state of mining advocacy and lobbying? (timestamp)

  • We could make or break our mining future right now with regulators.
  • There are 20 bills in the House and Senate that could seriously affect mining with a few minor wording changes.
  • The regulation and policy initiatives for mining will come, but it's important to make sure everyone is well educated to avoid seriously mistakes.
  • Energy is one of the most regulated industries in the world, and that will come to mining in some way.

How do policymakers view emissions and mining? (timestamp)

  • Energy conversations around mining need honesty.
  • Bitcoin mining uses a lot of energy, but everything uses a lot of energy.
  • Why we're mining is more important than focusing on how much energy we use.
  • Policymakers need to understand how bitcoin mining benefits the energy markets by bringing demand to producers.
  • Mining is the future of energy.

Where are the political lines around mining being drawn? (timestamp)

  • Miners shouldn't assume everything lawmakers say is malicious. Most of it is the result of misunderstanding and a lack of education.
  • Hyperfederalism is the future of federal and state policy relationships, and states are very hungry for education. And they want to learn more about mining.
  • Mining is fairly bipartisan, but the future of regulation depends on how state and federal lawmakers decide to interact with the industry.

Are mining's biggest battles ahead or behind? (timestamp)

  • Education is a doubled-edged sword, but it's better to education and deal with policy battles as they come.
  • Policymakers are curious and trying to learn, and there will always be haters and strong critics. But education is always more helpful than harmful.
  • Miners and cryptocurrency investors in general are a very strong, single-issue voters and that's surprising to lawmakers.
  • Mining needs a uniform voice and coordination.

Hostedby Zack Voell and Will Foxley