S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
7866
2021-2022 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
May 28, 2021
___________
Introduced by M. of A. KELLES -- read once and referred to the Committee
on Energy
AN ACT directing the New York state energy research and development
authority to conduct a study on powering cryptocurrency mining centers
with renewable energy
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. a. The state energy research and development authority is
hereby directed to conduct a study on powering cryptocurrency mining
centers in New York state.
b. For purposes of this act:
(i) "cryptocurrency" shall mean a digital currency in which encryption
techniques are used to regulate the generation of units and currency and
verify the transfer of funds, operating independently from a central
bank;
(ii) "mining" shall mean the process of spending computer power to
process transactions and add such transactions to a cryptocurrencies'
blockchain;
(iii) "blockchain" shall mean a digital ledger in which transactions
made in cryptocurrencies are recorded chronologically and publicly.
c. The study shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) a survey of existing cryptocurrency mining centers in New York
state, and whether and to what extent such centers are powered by renew-
able energy;
(ii) an evaluation of the economic and technical feasibility of power-
ing all cryptocurrency mining centers in the state with renewable energy
and the construction of additional facilities powered by renewable ener-
gy;
(iii) an assessment of the economic impacts on affected communities of
powering cryptocurrency mining centers with renewable energy, including
impacts on local employment and job creation; and
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11239-01-1
A. 7866 2
(iv) an evaluation of whether cryptocurrency mining powered by renewa-
ble energy could develop into a sustainable industry in the state.
d. The authority shall prepare a report of the findings of such study
and shall deliver a copy of the study and the report to the governor,
the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the
minority leader of the senate and the minority leader of the assembly no
later than one year after the effective date of this act.
ยง 2. This act shall take effect immediately.