Time: 2024-08-20
Marathon Digital executives recently held a meeting with Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie R. Harrison and his advisors to discuss ways to address the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining . The meeting , which took place about a week ago , focused on efforts to reduce methane and carbon emissions associated with the mining of cryptocurrencies . This dialogue is seen as a significant step in the DNC 's engagement with the crypto industry , especially considering the lack of representation in the party 's newly released platform.
The executives shared insights on policy matters that could align with the DNC 's platform and expressed a willingness to engage with the party on environmental concerns . This move is a sign that Democrats are becoming more open to collaborating with the cryptocurrency sector as the industry continues to gain momentum in both retail and institutional investments in the U.S.
Despite the absence of any mention of cryptocurrencies or blockchain networks in the DNC 's 2024 platform , Marathon Digital had previously submitted digital currency policy recommendations to the party . This shift in attitude towards the crypto industry by Democrats is evident in recent interactions between party officials and cryptocurrency companies like Marathon , signaling a potential change in approach.
The Democratic Party 's willingness to engage with the crypto industry is further highlighted by efforts to overturn regulatory hurdles that have hampered digital asset innovation in the U.S. Democratic lawmakers have collaborated with Republicans to challenge SEC rules perceived as restrictive , indicating a growing bipartisan interest in supporting the digital asset space.
As the Democratic National Convention unfolds in Chicago this week , there is anticipation within the crypto community to see if the party will acknowledge the industry 's presence . With Vice President Kamala Harris likely to be selected as the presidential nominee , concerns remain among cryptocurrency advocates regarding regulatory actions taken by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Biden - Harris administration.
Despite past skepticism from some crypto founders , the growing engagement between Democrats and the cryptocurrency industry suggests a shift towards acceptance and collaboration . The support from groups like Fairshake , which has invested heavily in Democratic candidates in key battleground states , underscores the increasing influence of digital asset firms in the political landscape.