New Hampshire Delays Crypto Mining Bill Amid Public Backlash

New Hampshire lawmakers have paused progress on House Bill 639, legislation aimed at deregulating cryptocurrency mining operations. The Senate Commerce Committee deadlocked twice before voting 4-2 to send the proposal for further study, reflecting deep divisions over balancing innovation with community concerns.

The controversial bill sought to prohibit local governments from restricting energy usage or noise levels at mining facilities, while banning special taxes on digital asset operations. Republican Representative Keith Ammon framed the proposal as protecting miners' rights, but opponents highlighted potential environmental and quality-of-life impacts.

Public opposition reached unprecedented levels, with Senator Tara Reardon noting record constituent engagement. Residents expressed particular concern about industrial-scale mining operations straining power grids and disrupting communities. The delay signals growing tensions between crypto industry expansion and local governance priorities.