A bill titled “Clean Cloud Act of 2025” has been introduced in the U.S. Senate, aimed at reducing carbon emissions from bitcoin mining companies and artificial intelligence data centers. The initiative, proposed by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and John Fetterman, stipulates that by 2035, all such enterprises must transition to “green” energy.
This is reported by Finway
The bill proposes an annual reduction of emission limits by 11% until reaching zero by 2035. It also amends the Clean Air Act, expanding environmental requirements to companies consuming energy from 100 kW. Those who do not comply with the new requirements will face inflation-adjusted fines, and the collected funds will be used for compensation to citizens through local grants.
Issues with Energy Grids
The authors of the bill emphasize that modern data centers significantly burden energy grids, utilize fossil fuels, and increase rates for consumers. Legislators believe this initiative will encourage a transition to renewable energy sources and hold companies accountable for their environmental costs.
All enterprises will be required to report annually on their energy sources and consumption levels. The Environmental Protection Agency will determine emission intensity based on this data and apply possible sanctions. Fines will apply to data center tenants rather than their owners.
Political Debates and Reactions
This bill has already sparked sharp criticism from Republicans, and President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in bitcoin mining. Experts believe the initiative will become the subject of heated political debates, and its chances in Congress will depend on the outcomes of voting regarding the budget and the priorities of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
“Modern data centers increase the burden on energy grids by burning fossil fuels and raising rates for consumers.”
It is worth noting that earlier reports mentioned a partnership between Hut 8 and Trump’s sons in bitcoin mining through the establishment of the firm American Bitcoin.