Senator Cruz Proposes Bill to Boost Crypto Mining with Flared gas
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has introduced a new bill to encourage cryptocurrency mining using flared natural gas. The Facilitating Lower Atmospheric Released Emissions Act, or FLARE Act, aims to make Texas a top destination for Bitcoin mining.
The FLARE Act seeks to amend the U.S.tax code. It would allow companies to fully deduct the cost of systems that capture and repurpose flared natural gas.These systems can convert the gas into electricity, liquid fuels, or computational power for digital asset mining.
Starting in 2026, eligible equipment will qualify for 100% expensing.To qualify, the equipment must intake natural gas and convert it into something useful. This includes compressing or liquefying gas for transport, producing petrochemicals or fertilizer, and powering oilfield equipment or the electrical grid.
The bill also blocks foreign entities tied to countries like China, Russia, Iran, or north Korea from benefiting from the incentives. This is to keep the tax break exclusive to U.S.-aligned operators and strengthen domestic energy independence.
Senator Cruz argues that the bill will cut emissions, boost energy innovation, and enhance grid resilience. It takes advantage of Texas’s vast energy potential and reinforces its position as the home of the Bitcoin industry.
The bill has gained support from industry players. Bitcoin mining firm MARA Holdings endorsed the legislation. They believe it could reduce emissions and “unlock stranded energy” across Texas and beyond.
MARA has partnered with NGON to launch a 25-megawatt micro data center operation across wellheads in Texas and North Dakota.The data center will use excess natural gas to generate electricity to power data centers.
Under the legislation, infrastructure like this would qualify as a flaring and venting mitigation system, making it eligible for permanent full expensing. That means MARA and similar operators could deduct the entire cost of installing such systems from their taxable income, starting in 2026.
