Commerce Secretary Says U.S. Will Help Bitcoin Miners Build Power Plants Away from Public Grid

Highlights:

• The U.S. will support Bitcoin mining with private power plants near natural gas fields for lower energy costs.
• The Commerce Department may add Bitcoin to national economic data as a commodity like oil or gold.
• U.S. officials say the country now welcomes Bitcoin firms and aims to help them grow without past limits.

Howard Lutnick, the current U.S. Secretary of Commerce, said the government will support the growth of Bitcoin mining. He noted that the government will allow companies to build power sources close to natural gas fields.

According to Bitcoin Magazine, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said the U.S. will accelerate bitcoin mining, support the construction of its own power infrastructure, and reduce reliance on the public power grid. The U.S. will allow miners to build power plants and data…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 29, 2025

He explained that the goal is to reduce reliance on the existing power grid. Moreover, they want to give miners more control over energy costs. During an interview with Bitcoin Magazine, Lutnick said, “You’ll see the next generation of miners in America will be able to control their destiny and control the cost of power.”

The Commerce Department will help these companies set up operations and allow them to use waste gas as an energy source for mining facilities. This approach, Lutnick said, will enable miners to locate their data centers near energy sources without depending on public infrastructure. Recently, Senator Ted Cruz introduced the FLARE Act, which aims to use flare gas for crypto mining.

He explained that building power plants next to gas fields makes it possible for mining firms to function more efficiently. According to Lutnick, the move will help Bitcoin operations grow within the country under conditions that favor innovation and expansion.

Current Plans Under the Investment Accelerator Program

He also shared that the U.S. has plans to welcome these companies through the Investment Accelerator. This office, launched within the Commerce Department on March 31, helps businesses understand the required procedures for setting up projects in the country.

Lutnick said the Investment Accelerator provides guidance on what companies must know and helps them obtain the necessary permits to begin operations. This support, he noted, can benefit Bitcoin mining companies that want to launch or expand their activities in the U.S.

Commerce Department May Treat Bitcoin as a Commodity Like Gold

Lutnick added that the Commerce Department is considering using Bitcoin in official economic measures. In particular, he explained that the Bureau of Economic Affairs could include Bitcoin in its National Economic Accounts, similar to the role of gold in existing calculations, such as the GDP.

Lutnick said, “Bitcoin is a commodity, and it should be treated like a commodity. It should be treated like oil. It should be treated like gold.” He explained that this method of classification would bring Bitcoin into line with traditional assets in the country’s financial reporting system.

New Climate for Bitcoin Under Current U.S. Leadership

Lutnick said that he and White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks both support the industry. According to him, they want to help Bitcoin companies succeed in the U.S. market. He said the country now offers better conditions than in previous years and that businesses can expect a clearer and more welcoming approach.

During the interview, Lutnick stated that the enforcement actions of the previous administration are over and they will not come back. Moreover, he compared the approach the former administration was using and the current efforts the Trump administration is putting into providing clear rules for the sector. He emphasized that the U.S. is committed to becoming a permanent home for Bitcoin and its related industries.