Cleaning Up Crypto Mining with Steve Wright

In our last episode, we dove into the ongoing debate over crypto mining regulation and the types of incentives that could stabilize the grid and catalyze clean power growth. 

In this episode, we examine a case study from 2014, when new Bitcoin miners quickly set up shop in Chelan County, Washington. Here to talk with us about the good, bad, and learning potential of this experience is Steve Wright, former head of Chelan’s Public Utility District or PUD. 

Like John, Steve was invited to testify at the House Oversight Subcommittee hearing called, “Cleaning up Crypto, the Energy Impacts of Blockchains.” During that hearing, our Members of Congress were seeking information about the sector’s energy use.

Together, John and Steve discuss:

• How Chelan County’s 2018 temporary moratorium on crypto mining changed the county going forward
• How the concept of flexible load change utilities and grid infrastructure in the next decade
• The utility perspective on potential regulations encouraging innovation and ensuring responsible growth in crypto and clean energy

This episode was recorded on February 11, 2022. Since then, President Joe Biden has released an Executive Order on Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets to which John has responded for Blockworks.

If you enjoyed this conversation and want to read more on this subject, check out Bitcoin’s Energy Consumption is a Feature, Not a Bug on our blog! 

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