The companies demanded that energy departments be prohibited from collecting statistical data on the intended use of electricity. The district court agreed with the plaintiffs' arguments and decided to place a moratorium on compliance with the EIA and OMB requirements:
“The Court finds that plaintiffs have provided the court with compelling evidence of the financial harm they will suffer if these claims are not enjoined.”
The court took into account the threat of financial sanctions that could be imposed on mining companies in case of refusal or late provision of statistical data. As well as the likelihood of leakage of confidential data about the operating activities of miners and additional overhead costs associated with compliance with the order of the US Department of Energy.
The petition from Riot Platforms and the Texas Blockchain Council led to the regulator immediately temporarily withdrawing its demand, suspending the collection of data on mining companies and announcing the transfer of previously obtained statistical data to a secure storage facility.
In early February, OMB authorized the EIA to require mining companies to provide detailed data on electricity consumption and use.