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The proposed Digital Asset Mining Energy (DAME) excise tax in President Joe Biden’s budget aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electricity costs by taxing 30% of electricity used by US cryptocurrency miners. Critics argue it could drive miners to countries with looser environmental regulations, potentially increasing emissions. The tax’s impact on renewable energy production and the crypto industry’s growth remains uncertain.

“A staunch crypto advocate, Representative Patrick McHenry, has provisionally stepped into the role of US House Speaker. McHenry has shown appreciation for the significance of American innovation and advocated for stablecoin regulation. These transitions bring opportunities and challenges for digital currencies and their regulation.”

“The future of cryptocurrency regulation was at risk with the potential for a government shutdown. This stalemate could have hindered several key crypto-focused bills, including the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, among others, shaping crypto’s future.”

“Crypto guru, Brian Armstrong, predicts that the exploding interest in crypto will turn it into a defining issue in the 2024 elections. As 56 million Americans already operate with digital currency, its potential implications are engaging presidential candidates. However, the quest for clear crypto regulation still looms, with opportunities for legislative clarity potentially arising from the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

The United States’ unclear crypto regulations are driving companies to seek more crypto-friendly countries. Tennessee Senator, Bill Hagerty, supports comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation in the US, replacing the current ‘regulation by enforcement’. He also highlights risks in the unrestricted adoption of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

“The indictment against FTX’s founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, for alleged violation of campaign finance laws and connections to a multibillion-dollar fraud gains momentum as key figures, including Ryan Salame, plead guilty. This saga highlights the intersection of finance, politics, and blockchain, shedding light on the potential misuse of this potent mix and prompting questions regarding customer safeguarding and innovation enhancement.”

“The leadership at institutions like the Federal Reserve significantly influence policy changes, specifically cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation. While the US Federal Reserve reportedly has no plans for a digital dollar, the recent changes in leadership may significantly impact future policy. As cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology reshape financial systems, the balance between innovation and regulation remains a focus.”

“Crypto regulation has become a significant issue in U.S. presidential campaigning. Candidates’ positions vary widely, from skepticism to enthusiastic adoption, yet the subject of digital assets regulation was absent from the recent Republican debate. This highlights the increasing importance of cryptocurrencies in our socio-political landscape, and suggests a need for informed legislation.”

The newly launched Digital Energy Council (DEC) plans to highlight the positive role of crypto miners in the energy sector. Backed by technology’s flexibility, miners either provide energy during demand or buy excess energy, reducing waste. Despite facing regulatory scrutiny and proposed taxes, the DEC aims to dispel misconceptions around energy use and advocate for crypto miner’s interests, working towards greater recognition of digital asset mining.

The Digital Energy Council, an alliance of crypto miners, is seeking to influence U.S. policy for friendlier laws on sustainable energy development and grid resilience. However, their goals clash with the Biden administration’s stance, including a proposed 30% tax on mining operations for environmental concerns.

American Rapper Post Malone expressed skepticism about the potential Central Bank Digital Currency, associating it with increased government control. The duo highlighted risks including growing state control, potential loss of citizen’s income and potential impacts on social credit scores and behavioral control. Such concerns have sparked discussions in the crypto community.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey are urging strict enforcement of crypto reporting requirements within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), suggesting clear tax reporting guidelines for digital asset “brokers”. This measure aims to close the $50 billion “crypto tax gap”, addressing the tax evasion in the crypto industry.

U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposes a less alarmist view on Bitcoin’s environmental impact, saying it shouldn’t limit financial freedom. Should he win, he plans to exempt Bitcoin from capital gains tax and shows interest in backing the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, during his 2024 presidential campaign, vowed to prohibit central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and suppress any policy by the current Biden’s administration pertaining to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency regulation. The move has sparked renewed conversations about digital currencies in the political sphere.

“US Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently committed to exempt digital currencies from capital gains tax when converted to USD. He claims this will incentivize investment, boost crypto businesses domestically and enhance citizen privacy. Critics warn that this could also open up a Pandora’s Box of risks, including financial instability and abuse of these platforms for illicit activities.”

SEC Chair Gary Gensler faces criticism for his broad approach to cryptocurrencies, causing venture capital investment in the U.S. crypto industry to decline compared to the European Union. The EU’s MiCA legislation acknowledges utility tokens, providing a clear framework for digital assets. New legislation is needed in the U.S. to address the definition of securities and digital asset regulation.

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to call for comprehensive legislation regarding AI safety measures, emphasizing bipartisan action from Congress. Addressing safe innovation, privacy, biases, and misinformation, Schumer aims to ensure responsible and secure AI development while maintaining public trust in the technology.

The Department of Homeland Security has formed the “Darknet Marketplace and Digital Currency Crimes Task Force,” an interagency group aimed at investigating crypto and darknet crimes and increasing collaboration. The Task Force will play a crucial role in mitigating criminal activity impact while balancing regulation and innovation in the evolving crypto industry.

Circle’s CEO Jeremy Allaire urges US lawmakers to prioritize a stablecoin bill amid global advancements in digital currency regulations. The bill, titled “The Future of Digital Assets”, aims to foster a vibrant and safe digital assets market while balancing innovation and financial stability.

Taxbit, a crypto tax compliance software company, laid off 80 workers (40% of its staff) and announced the departure of CEO Austin Woodward. Lindsey Argalas, a former Intuit executive, replaced him. The company plans to re-expand in the UK and EU amidst a more complex regulatory environment and growing taxation focus in the crypto space.