Posted: | March 15, 2022 02:09 PM |
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From: | Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Emerging Technologies Permitting Oversight |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that ensures emerging technologies such as Bitcoin mining are treated consistently across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has created an inconsistent environment for individuals mining Bitcoin on oil and gas well sites. DEP field offices have used different rationales for their subjective interpretation of what permits shall apply leaving much confusion and a lack of clarity for these businesses. Thus, I envision entrepreneurs of these emerging technologies leaving Pennsylvania for other states with less burdensome regulations. This will result in a loss of economic activity and jobs in this developing field. My legislation will require all permitting applications for emerging technologies under DEP’s permitting purview to be sent to the central office in Harrisburg to verify that the permitting requirements are being upheld fairly and responsibly throughout the Commonwealth. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB1262