Arkansas Counties Rush to Regulate Crypto Mining

Before a new state law that is set to go into effect on August 1 takes effect, some counties in Arkansas are hastily enacting emergency laws to regulate noise and activity connected to cryptocurrency mining. By giving standards and safeguarding miners from unfair laws and fees, the new state law seeks to bring cryptocurrency mining operations under the same rules as data centers. However, because the legislation was drafted, considered, and enacted by politicians within a week, citizens had little opportunity to debate it.

The bill’s author, state representative Rick McClure, disclosed that no one spoke against it either during committee or parliamentary sessions. Companies that do cryptocurrency mining in Arkansas, such Green Digital, GMI Computing, United BitEngine, and Cryptic Farms, are now subject to the new rules.

Addressing Noise Complaints

In response to concerns about the excessive noise produced by the 24/7 crypto mining activities, local authorities are taking additional steps. While some locals do not object to cryptocurrency mining per se, they are worried about the noise levels and how it would affect their way of life. To assist counties in passing rules before the new law takes effect, the Association of Arkansas Counties has created a sample ordinance.

Since June, noise regulations directed at data centers have been adopted in more than a dozen counties. Justice of the Peace Maree Coats stressed that the noise impacts individuals in their homes and is more than just a minor annoyance.

The New Legislation

The new state legislation bans local governments from discriminating against crypto mining operations, but it does not totally forbid county rules. Counties are also prohibited from imposing decibel restrictions that are different from the standards for overall sound pollution. Additionally, it’s against the law to rezone a place with the intention of discriminating against companies that do digital mining.

Several counties in Arkansas are moving quickly to control noise and activity linked to cryptocurrency mining as the new state law approaches. Although the law attempts to give the sector a legal structure, local authorities and communities are eager to address worries about noise problems brought on by mining operations.