Zcash Advocacy Group Launches Lobbying Efforts in Washington
A newly formed advocacy group focused on Zcash has registered to lobby in Washington, marking a significant step for the privacy-focused cryptocurrency in shaping U.S. policy on digital assets. Pretty Good Policy for Zcash (PGPZ) filed its lobbying registration on October 1, listing executive director Divij Pandya as its sole lobbyist. The group's lobbying efforts will center around key legislative proposals, including the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and two digital asset tax proposals.
PGPZ launched in June 2024, evolving from Pretty Good Policy for Crypto, an initiative started in 2022 by Electric Coin Co. The group has previously organized policy roundtables and a congressional briefing on encryption technologies. Paul Brigner, founder of PGPZ and chief policy and regulatory officer of ZODL, emphasized the importance of ensuring Zcash is represented in policy discussions. "Policymakers are making decisions that will affect whether privacy-preserving digital cash can exist, be used lawfully, and serve the public interest," he stated.
In August, the Zcash Community Grants approved a $750,000 grant to support PGPZ's first year of operations. This funding underscores the community's commitment to advocating for Zcash in the regulatory landscape. The move comes as privacy-focused cryptocurrencies face increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators.