Arkansas lawmakers float bill to ban crypto mining near military facilities

Key Points

  • Arkansas lawmakers introduced Senate Bill (SB 60) to ban crypto mining within 30 miles of military facilities.
  • The bill includes a grandfathering clause for existing facilities but aims to prevent new operations near military installations.
  • The legislation was spurred by national security and noise pollution concerns, particularly affecting a facility near Little Rock Air Force Base.
  • Opposition from the crypto mining industry claims the bill is unprecedented and unnecessary, citing compliance with existing regulations.

Summary

Arkansas lawmakers have proposed Senate Bill (SB 60) to restrict cryptocurrency mining operations within a 30-mile radius of any military facility in the state. Introduced by Senator Ricky Hill and House Speaker Brian Evans, the bill seeks to amend the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023, citing national security and noise pollution as primary concerns. The legislation specifically targets a crypto mining facility in Lonoke County near Little Rock Air Force Base, which has drawn complaints from local residents about noise pollution. Despite opposition from the crypto mining industry, which argues that the facility complies with all regulations, the bill includes a grandfathering clause for facilities operational before December 31. This move echoes a similar action by the Biden administration in Wyoming, highlighting growing concerns over the proximity of crypto mining to military sites. The bill's introduction reflects broader discussions on the environmental and security implications of crypto mining operations in the U.S.

cointelegraph
January 17, 2025
Crypto
Read article

Related news