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EnergyPlatform.News(letter)
January 20, 2025
In this week’s edition of energy and environmental policy news across the states: Texas considers a strategic bitcoin reserve; Colorado’s Chris Wright prepares to shape U.S. energy policy; Virginia looks to follow Vermont and New York with an “Extreme Weather Relief Fund;” and state wind leaders, like Oklahoma, face uncertainty.
Plus: Commentary from key voices on state energy policy.
Recent industry data indicate Texas holds a commanding national lead – far ahead of Georgia and New York – in cryptocurrency mining operations, affirming previous federal data and fulfilling a prediction Gov. Greg Abbott made barely three years ago.
The state is positioned to continue building its lead, with a second Trump administration signaling interest in favorable federal policies, and supportive state legislators exploring new pro-crypto policies, such as House and Senate proposals to establish a state strategic bitcoin reserve and a House proposal to study the General Land Office’s capacity to apply blockchain technology to verify and record land title records.
Colorado’s Chris Wright, one of the nation’s top advocates for leveraging energy access to combat poverty, is set to lead the U.S. Department of Energy after being nominated to serve in the post during President Donald Trump’s second term. His views are likely to influence state policy actions and reshape discussions around environmental justice, energy access and affordability.
The legislation mirrors Vermont law and would use fines against certain companies to fund storm-related infrastructure upgrades and healthcare services for residents affected by extreme weather events.
The future of wind’s role in energy production may be less certain following recent remarks from President Donald Trump, who described windmills as “the most expensive energy ever.”
We may live in a world of constant change and uncertainty, but we know for certain one thing won’t change: The world’s growing population will need more and more energy to thrive, and survive, in the 21st century. The question is who will provide that energy?
See news and commentary from other states
Over the past decade, Virginia has claimed the honor of being the “data center capital of the world.” For Virginia to remain the best place to live, work, learn and raise a family, we have to place sensible guardrails on the data center industry.
Generative artificial intelligence represents the next actual global economic arms race. These technologies are poised to reshape industries, unlock innovation, and transform how we live, work, and compete for global resources.
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