Tennessee Aims to Become a Bitcoin Hub Through new Alliance
Tennessee is making a bold move to position itself as a national leader in Bitcoin adoption with the launch of the Tennessee Bitcoin Alliance (TNBTC). The association, unveiled last month at an event in Franklin, Tennessee, brings together lawmakers, policy experts, and industry stakeholders to foster a pro-Bitcoin environment within the state.Empowering Tennesseans Through Education
A core focus of TNBTC is widespread education. Starting this fall, the alliance will host workshops across the state geared towards both individuals and businesses. residents will learn the fundamentals of acquiring, securing, and utilizing Bitcoin, while merchants will receive practical training on integrating Lightning-enabled point-of-sale systems. Recognizing the importance of a well-informed community, TNBTC is also developing free educational resources for educators, civic groups, and local government officials, covering both the technical aspects and economic benefits of Bitcoin. These resources can be found at https://lu.ma/user/tnbtc?e=evt-0pPhfMvKjRYe2Gl.
A Pro-Bitcoin Legislative Agenda
looking ahead to the 2026 legislative session, TNBTC is advocating for a series of policy changes. These include enshrining the right to self-custody of Bitcoin, protecting Bitcoin node operation as a form of protected speech, ensuring tax neutrality for Bitcoin-denominated contracts, and clearly differentiating Bitcoin from other cryptocurrencies within state law.
“Tennessee boasts a strong foundation for Bitcoin adoption, with a high ranking for freedom, affordable nuclear energy, and a willingness to embrace innovation across the political spectrum,” explains Dave Birnbaum, TNBTC’s president and co-founder. “We aim to leverage these strengths to unlock important economic growth through Bitcoin.”
Leveraging Tennessee’s Unique Advantages
Tennessee possesses several key advantages that make it particularly well-suited for Bitcoin-related activities. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s power grid,heavily reliant on nuclear energy,provides a stable and relatively low-carbon energy source – crucial for Bitcoin mining and data center operations. Furthermore, the state already hosts considerable high-performance computing infrastructure, including the renowned Oak Ridge National Laboratory and xAI facilities in Memphis. Currently ranked fifth nationally for Bitcoin friendliness according to the Coinbits bitcoin index, TNBTC believes Tennessee is poised to capitalize on this momentum.
Steve Giraud, TNBTC vice-president and co-founder, adds, “Tennessee has a proven track record of transforming cutting-edge technology into economic opportunities, from the advancements at oak Ridge to the logistical prowess of FedEx. Bitcoin represents the next technological frontier, and this initiative will ensure that its benefits are accessible throughout the state.”
Getting Involved & Supporting the Alliance
TNBTC operates solely on donations from individuals and corporations. Information on membership, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities can be found at http://tnbitcoinalliance.org. The organization is planning its first county-level meetups in August, with initial pilot workshops focused on public-school educators and small business owners.
The Tennessee Bitcoin Alliance’s approach – combining practical education with supportive legislation – could serve as a model for other states seeking to embrace the potential of Bitcoin, solidifying Tennessee’s position as a forward-thinking jurisdiction committed to innovation and individual economic freedom.
