US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HR238

Introduced
3/21/23  

Caption

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of Proof-of-Work mining, used for certain cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, to the United States ability to achieve its energy goals and grow its economy.

Impact

By underscoring the role of PoW mining in energy consumption and its economic implications, HR238 presents an argument that aligns energy development with national economic and security interests. The resolution notes that PoW mining engages with low-cost energy and can utilize surplus energy during off-peak times. This theoretically enhances the economic viability of renewable energy projects, in addition to showcasing the miners’ potential to respond swiftly to energy demands, which could stabilize the grid during crises.

Summary

House Resolution 238 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the significance of Proof-of-Work (PoW) mining for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The resolution emphasizes that PoW mining is pivotal for achieving the United States' energy goals while contributing positively to economic growth. It argues that while PoW mining requires energy, its impact is often overstated since it only consumes a small fraction of global energy. Furthermore, the resolution highlights how PoW operations can help stabilize the electricity grid and reduce unpleasant impacts on energy usage during peak demand.

Contention

While the resolution aims to position PoW mining positively, there could be contentions among policymakers regarding environmental and energy resource management. The narrative in HR238 could face scrutiny from groups concerned about the energy use implications and the environmental footprint of mining operations. Furthermore, the resolution's endorsement of PoW mining comes at a time when alternative digital currency approaches are being advanced globally, prompting debates about the best path forward for the U.S. in the digital currency landscape.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR1005

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that creators and digital workers, as a distinct and growing class of small businesses and independent economic contributors, deserve fair treatment, transparency, and economic opportunity in the modern platform-based economy.

US HR238

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care.

US HR163

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the goal of education in schools across America shall be that virtually every student in the United States achieves grade-level reading proficiency, providing them with the foundation to develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in school, work, and life.

US SR36

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States, States, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, institutions of higher education, and other institutions in the United States should work toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

US A08104

Establishes a task force to study the potential designation of economic empowerment zones for the mining of cryptocurrencies in the state of New York.

US HR272

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States seeks to restore peace in Ukraine.

US HR148

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) and the harmful conflation of China's "One China Principle" and the United States "One China Policy".

US HCR53

Expressing support for the recognition of September 26, 2025, as "World Contraception Day" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global and domestic access to contraception.

US HB1598

Relating to the establishment of a bitcoin reserve within the state treasury and the management of cryptocurrencies by governmental entities.

US HR981

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should reduce and maintain the Federal unified budget deficit at or below 3 percent of gross domestic product.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.