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US States that Incentivize Crypto Mining

source-logo  altcoinbuzz.io 18 April 2022 09:48, UTC

Crypto mining is one way people can get into the crypto game. However, it does not come cheap. Crypto mining requires a lot of computing power and consumes a huge amount of energy. A single bitcoin transaction, for example, is estimated to consume nearly 2,000 kWh of electricity. This figure is big enough to power a typical US home for more than two months.

Mining refers to the computational process by which popular cryptocurrencies such as ether and bitcoin are minted. Authorities have criticized the energy-intensive mining industry. But the United States has endorsed and embraced it. As a result, the US is now the dominant player in crypto mining. Therefore, in this article, you will discover which states promote this activity

1) Georgia

Georgia is one of the go-to states for miners seeking a friendly environment for their craft. As of late January, miners in Georgia were responsible for more than 34% of the computer resources in the pool. This is nearly doubling their share from the third quarter of last year. However, it has a relatively low power cost and hosts a huge amount of solar and nuclear power.

As a result, mining firms can label themselves as environmentally friendly or emission-free. In addition, Georgia’s regulators are friendly to the mining business. For example, they point miners to a solar program that allows them to offset their carbon output with renewable power credits. They also provide them with timely access to power prices. This helps miners to scale back activities when rates are set to rise. These features are some of the reasons why thousands of miners flock to the state.

Mawsoninc's #bitcoin mining site in Sandersville, Georgia, USA is now completely online. It uses predominately sustainable nuclear and hydro energy sources.

A 150 megawatt upgrade to the local energy grid. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/sxdyKgRvX6

— Documenting Bitcoin 📄 (@DocumentingBTC) March 10, 2022

Moreover, Georgia House Bill 1342 incentivizes bitcoin miners by providing tax breaks for energy consumption. The bill, introduced by four Republican lawmakers in Georgia, seeks to amend the state’s official tax code to include exemptions from sales and use tax. This move would exempt the sale or use of energy used in the commercial mining of digital assets.

2) North Dakota

North Dakota government officials made an appearance during the recently held Bitcoin conference in Miami. Their sole aim was to lure crypto miners to their state with the promise of a friendly environment for their craft. In addition, the North Dakota Commerce Department opened up on its recent investment in the crypto space. It noted that it had secured $3 billion in crypto deals and is set to attract more funds for projects.

The success of fracking in North Dakota means the state has the required energy resources for Bitcoin mining. Furthermore, North Dakota plans to diversify its economy, shifting its focus from its current reliance on oil and agriculture. As a result, the state has identified the benefit of having miners around.

North Dakota state leaders see the booming #bitcoin mining sector as one pathway for diversifying an economy dependent on oil and agriculture.

'The state has so far announced $3 billion of investment'https://t.co/smBaNOUmRG

— Documenting Bitcoin 📄 (@DocumentingBTC) April 11, 2022

In addition, North Dakota appears to be a haven for miners as there are no tax breaks or funding since the state relies on its natural resources. Furthermore, North Dakota’s weather is a plus for mining. The state’s cold weather can help to cool down overheated mining rigs.

The presence of cheap electricity and the potential of having the cleanest energy in the world is a huge bait. Already, some mining firms have begun operations in the state. They run on surplus natural gas that would have been burned into the environment.

3) Illinois

Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican, introduced Illinois Senate Bill 3643 earlier this year. If passed by the Illinois General Assembly, the legislation would extend a data center tax incentive program to cryptocurrency miners. Texas and Kentucky offer similar tax breaks to entice miners to relocate to their states.

From #Bitcoin mining to #crypto ATMs, Illinois is positioning itself as a center for the booming #cryptocurrency industry https://t.co/YZwzV0Y7BY

— Robert Channick (@RobertChannick) June 18, 2021

As a result, to be eligible for the tax exemption, candidates must spend at least $250 million and create at least 20 jobs. They should also have achieved carbon-neutral status or green building certification. In addition, Illinois is a crypto-friendly state. As a result, the program is available to both newcomers and existing operations in the state.

4) Texas

Texas is, without a doubt, one of the leading spots for miners right now. Mining giants like Riot Blockchain and Chinese miner Bitdeer have operations in the state. Texas’ allure stems from a few key factors:

  • Crypto-friendly legislators.
  • Deregulated power infrastructure with real-time spot pricing.
  • Access to relatively high renewable energy and flared natural gas.

Texas has become prime real estate for crypto mining facilities, including Riot Whinstone, a Bitcoin mining company located north of Austin.

It's the largest Bitcoin mining operation in the country, and produces a crazy amount of heat. pic.twitter.com/z7miLC9Rdd

— Motherboard (@motherboard) March 22, 2022

Also, Texas offers an appealing environment for miners to invest large sums of money. The state’s deregulated grid is an economic incentive for miners since they get to buy spot energy. Therefore, this flexibility means they can stop buying electricity if the prices get high.

5) Kentucky

Bitcoin mining rigs are becoming commonplace in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear’s crypto-friendly bills triggered this surge. Gov. Andy moved to encourage bitcoin miners to set up shop in the southeastern state. Then, Senate Bill 255 extends the commonwealth’s clean energy-based incentives to miners who make a reasonable investment of $1 million.

⚡️ #Bitcoin mining is booming in Kentucky thanks to big tax breaks and plentiful power supply.

The state could soon be a hotspot for #crypto investors and firms.

Some locals are excited, but others are sounding the alarm.

Here's what people told us. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/dM0NFmbPsY

— Thomson Reuters Foundation News (@TRF_Stories) April 5, 2022

Furthermore, Kentucky House Bill 230 offers a variety of tax reliefs to miners.
Kentucky and mining-related businesses have benefited from the legislation in the year since it was passed. Kentucky reportedly accounted for 18.7 percent of the total Bitcoin hash rate in the United States as of October 2021. In addition, Kentucky generates more carbon from crypto mining than any other US state due to its fossil-fuel-heavy energy supply.

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