Regulating Crypto Mining Near Military Facilities in Arkansas

Arkansas legislators have proposed Senate Bill (SB 60) to prohibit crypto mining within a 30-mile radius of US military installations in the state. The bill, introduced by Senator Ricky Hill and House Speaker Brian Evans, seeks to amend the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023. It includes a grandfathering clause for existing facilities but aims to keep new mining operations away from military bases, camps, hospitals, and arsenals. The proposed legislation, similar to a previous order by the Biden administration in Wyoming, targets a crypto mining facility near Little Rock Air Force Base. While concerns about noise pollution and national security have been raised, the facility's owner, Interstate Holdings, argues that it complies with all regulations. This move reflects a growing trend of addressing the environmental and security impacts of crypto mining operations near sensitive military sites.