- Michigan Rep. Matt Maddock mines Bitcoin from his state House desk using a quiet, low-power Bitaxe Gamma mini ASIC unit.
- His public mining act highlights Michigan bills promoting crypto mining in abandoned oil/gas wells for environmental cleanup.
A Michigan state representative is operating a Bitcoin mining device from his desk inside the House chamber. Matt Maddock confirmed the activity by sharing a post from the Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council’s X account.
State Representative @matthewmaddock is leading the charge for innovation in Michigan by bringing a Bitcoin miner directly onto the House floor!
This isn’t just symbolic — it’s a vision for the future:
Renewable energy + Bitcoin
Reusable heat
Strengthening decentralized… pic.twitter.com/DgfuUinu4S— Michigan Bitcoin Trade Council (@MichBTCtc) June 11, 2025
Representative Maddock uses a Bitaxe Gamma unit
This is a small computer built for home Bitcoin mining. According to Solo Satoshi, the device produces up to 1.2 terahashes per second (TH/s). It uses only 18 watts of electricity. Standard industrial Bitcoin mining machines are much larger, noisier, and generate considerable heat. The Bitaxe Gamma’s compact size and lower operation profile allow its use in places like an office or, apparently, a legislative floor.
Maddock’s public mining operation happens as Michigan considers new laws about cryptocurrency. State lawmakers recently introduced bills aimed at encouraging crypto investment and mining within Michigan.
One proposal, House Bill 4512 (HB4512), would create a specific program. This program would let private companies use old, abandoned oil or gas wells for Bitcoin mining. Companies joining the program would have to seal these wells properly.
They must also restore the land after mining stops
The idea is to use leftover energy resources at these sites for mining. Supporters say this approach promotes environmental cleanup without relying only on public money.
A related bill, HB4513, proposes changes to Michigan’s Income Tax Act. If HB4512 passes, HB4513 would let participants in that mining program deduct their Bitcoin mining income. Individuals and corporations could claim this deduction against their adjusted gross income. However, this tax break depends entirely on HB4512 becoming law first.
Both bills are currently in the earliest phases of the legislative process. They require committee review, potential amendments, and votes in both the Michigan House and Senate before potentially reaching the governor.
The post Inside His Capitol Office: Michigan Rep Mines BTC While State Pushes Abandoned Well Tax-Free Mining Bills! appeared first on ETHNews.
