British Columbia has announced plans to permanently prohibit new cryptocurrency miners from connecting to its electricity grid. This decision aims to preserve energy resources and prioritize sustainable energy use in the province. The move follows a temporary ban imposed last year, reflecting ongoing concerns about the environmental impact of crypto mining. In other news, a coalition is advocating for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to uphold robust open banking regulations amid pressure from banking lobbyists. The coalition emphasizes the importance of consumer data rights and financial transparency. Additionally, prominent CEOs, including Brian Armstrong and Sergey Nazarov, participated in the Federal Reserve's Payments Innovation hearing, discussing the future of digital payments and financial technology.