North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed a bill banning Central Bank Digital Currencies （CBDCs）, citing the need for federal standardization and consumer protection.
Points
- Governor Cooper believes federal standardization is crucial before taking a stance on CBDCs.
- The bill had strong legislative backing, passing overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate.
- The veto has been met with significant criticism and political implications.
- Key figures in the digital asset industry view the veto as a missed opportunity to oppose CBDCs.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recently vetoed House Bill 690, a bill aimed at banning the use of Central Bank Digital Currencies （CBDCs） in the state. Despite the strong legislative support the bill received—passing 109-4 in the House and 39-5 in the Senate—Governor Cooper has urged for patience, emphasizing the need to wait for federal efforts to standardize and ensure safeguards for digital transactions.
Cooper stated, “Instead of this bill, the legislature should have passed a budget to provide more funding for cybersecurity threats that actually exist now.” His comments highlight the governor’s focus on current, tangible threats rather than preemptive measures against potential future issues.
The veto has sparked a wave of criticism. Mitchell Askew, head analyst at Blockware Solutions, accused Cooper of not representing the desires of North Carolinians. Dan Spuller, head of industry affairs at the Blockchain Association, also criticized the decision, viewing it as a missed chance to support privacy, individual sovereignty, and free market competitiveness in the digital asset space.
Spuller emphasized, “Assenting to the bill would have shown support for privacy, individual sovereignty, and free market competitiveness. Digital asset policy should remain in the hands of the American people.”
The overwhelming support for the bill in the legislature suggests a strong possibility of an override. However, this political clash underscores the complexities and differing viewpoints surrounding the regulation and adoption of digital currencies.
解説
- The strong legislative support for House Bill 690 highlights a significant divide between state lawmakers and the governor on the issue of CBDCs.
- Governor Cooper’s veto emphasizes a cautious approach, prioritizing federal oversight and existing cybersecurity threats over immediate state-level actions.
- The criticisms from industry experts reflect broader concerns about privacy, sovereignty, and market dynamics in the digital currency space.
- This situation underscores the ongoing debate about the role of government in regulating emerging technologies and the balance between innovation and security.