On Thursday 23rd February, the Montana State Senate passed a cryptocurrency mining rights bill that contains laws that will prohibit indiscriminate practices against miners in the region. The bill which gives qualified individuals the ‘right to mine’ without “discriminatory” power cost still has to go through the state’s House for approval before it is finally signed into law by the governor.
In addition to bestowing miners with the right to conduct their operations, the bill also seeks to protect miners who run their activities from the confines of their homes and take away the ability of the local governments to enforce zoning laws that stop mining. Cryptocurrency used as a form of payment for goods and services will not be subject to extra taxes, according to the new bill.
Eventually, the cryptocurrency mining rights bill may overturn the Missoula County zoning ordinance which was rolled out in 2020. Based on this zoning regulation, Missoula County requires that miners would either build or buy renewable sources of energy which would compensate for the amount of energy they consume. This is especially for those who were attracted to the area due to its cheap electricity cost.
As part of the regulation, some industrial districts are prohibited from participating in mining operations. Jennie Dixon of Missoula’s community and planning services said “We are continuing to investigate this issue and this zoning and may ultimately propose it as permanent zoning.”
To reach this point, the Montana mining bill passed the Senate with 37 approvals and 13 others not in agreement.
Crypto Miners Face Oppositions
Generally, crypto miners have faced several oppositions in recent times. About two weeks ago, some mysterious solar panel devices discovered by US authorities about a year ago were found to be associated with mining activities. On first discovery, there were only a few antennas but they have now multiplied significantly. According to Tyler Fonarow, the recreational trail manager for Salt Lake, the seized devices consist of a locked battery box, a solar panel, and an antenna.
Also, troubled mining platform Core Scientific is still trying to find a way to offset its debt. However, a recent report indicates that it has inked a partnership with NYDIG to sell off some of its equipment to the latter.
