Ted Cruz Champions Bitcoin Mining in Texas, Calls It a Resilient Solution

Updated: 10 September 2023

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In recent times, Texas has been dealing with adverse weather, having noted its second hottest summer on record. Amidst this, the state’s power grid, which provides electricity to about 90% of Texans (or 25 million people), had to enforce emergency protocols. Interestingly, this situation made way for an unexpected advocate for Bitcoin mining in the state: Senator Ted Cruz.

Machines can swiftly shut down during crises, serving as emergency power reserves

Speaking on Fox News Radio earlier this week, Cruz, who dropped out of the Republican presidential race back in February, emphasized the significant advantages Bitcoin mining could bring to Texas. Cruz firmly believes that Bitcoin mining can actually improve the state’s energy grid’s resilience. “Machines can swiftly shut down during crises, serving as emergency power reserves,” the senator clarified.

His arguments come at a time when Bitcoin miners had to cut down their energy use due to the state’s emergency power measures. Nonetheless, these limitations have actually generated millions of dollars for some mining firms, thanks to how their contracts with utilities are structured. Cruz also underlined the speed at which these mining operations could be shut down to redirect energy, saying it could be done “in seconds” to provide electricity to essential services like hospitals and heating for homes.

Dennis Porter, the CEO and co-founder of Satoshi Act Fund, a nonprofit that promotes Bitcoin-friendly policies, voiced his agreement with Cruz. Despite political differences, Porter and other left-leaning Bitcoin enthusiasts find Cruz’s stance on Bitcoin appealing. In an interview, Porter remarked, “Senator Cruz has a valid point about Bitcoin mining.”

Cruz, who has represented Texas as a senator since 2013 and plans to run for re-election next year, took to Twitter to further express his views. He tweeted that Texas, known for jobs, innovation, and freedom, is an “ideal home for Bitcoin mining.”

Texas is a hub for jobs, innovation, and freedom—making it the natural oasis for Bitcoin mining.

These operations can improve our grid resiliency since they can shut off during inclement weather and free up electricity to heat or cool homes. pic.twitter.com/rpU5i3v03G

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) September 7, 2023

Politicians from both major U.S. parties have been gradually getting more comfortable with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Among Republicans, not only Cruz but also individuals like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott have supported various crypto initiatives. On the Democratic side, though some may be cautious, figures like New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have backed legislative efforts aimed at regulating the crypto space.

The Detractors

It’s not all rosy for cryptocurrency in the political sphere, however. Prominent opponents like Senator Elizabeth Warren and California’s Senator Brad Sherman, both Democrats, have criticized it. Additionally, Republican Senator Roger Marshall has labeled it a “national security threat.”

Gary Gensler, the head of the SEC, has been engaged in a sustained effort against the crypto industry in the United States. He stated clearly that except for spot transactions involving Bitcoin and buying or selling goods with cryptocurrency, just about every other type of crypto transaction falls under the SEC’s jurisdiction. Gensler justifies this broad interpretation through a 1946 Supreme Court ruling, SEC v. W.J. Howey Co., claiming it gives the SEC the legal basis for overseeing most cryptocurrencies.

In response, United States Representative Tom Emmer, Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives — who has previously expressed concerns about the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission’s (SEC) actions in the cryptocurrency industry — criticized Gary Gensler, alleging he has overstepped his authority, which is negatively affecting the American people. Emmer urged Congress to utilize its available methods and proper procedures to thwart any potential misuse of taxpayer funds by Gensler and the SEC.

An Optimistic Future

Despite all of this, Dennis Porter said he is optimistic about the increasing number of pro-Bitcoin presidential candidates. According to him, wise politicians recognize the potential of Bitcoin as a “winning issue,” capable of drawing a different kind of voter and donor base. By aligning with Bitcoin, these politicians could help ensure the U.S. remains a leader in this burgeoning technology.