New Hampshire lawmakers have decided to delay a controversial proposal that would loosen regulations on cryptocurrency mining, following months of heated debate and a surge in public opposition.
On Thursday, the Senate Commerce Committee voted 4–2 to recommend House Bill 639 for interim study, effectively pausing its progress until at least next year. The decision came after two tied votes, one to pass and another to kill the bill, leaving senators with no clear consensus.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Keith Ammon (R–New Boston), seeks to prevent local governments from imposing restrictions on crypto mining operations, such as noise limits or energy-use caps, and would prohibit special taxes on digital asset activities.Â
It also guarantees individuals and businesses the right to engage in mining and establishes a blockchain-specific docket in the superior court to handle related disputes.
Ammon, a software developer and long-time advocate for digital assets, argued that the bill would protect innovation and prevent discrimination against the cryptocurrency industry. The proposal mirrors model legislation crafted by the Satoshi Action Fund, which has been adopted in several U.S. states.
However, senators said they had received an “unusually high volume” of emails and calls from residents expressing concerns about the bill’s local and environmental implications.
Opponents, including environmental groups like the New Hampshire Network, warned that crypto mining’s high energy and water demands could harm local ecosystems and burden communities.
Citing Arkansas as a cautionary example, a state that passed similar pro-mining legislation before later tightening rules amid noise complaints and foreign ownership concerns, senators said the bill required more scrutiny.
“I don’t want to vote against it,” said Sen. Denise Ricciardi (R–District 9), “but we heard from so many constituents. I’d like to have it worked on further and move it forward next session.”
The interim study recommendation means lawmakers will revisit House Bill 639 in 2026, after further analysis and potential revisions. Until then, the debate over how to balance innovation with local control and environmental responsibility remains far from settled.