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As August's draws closer, tension rises in several Arkansas counties. Local authorities are in a race against time, striving to put controls on crypto mining activities - a noise-related issue that's becoming a persistent pain for the residents. This hurried action comes before a state law, scheduled for effect from the first of the month, reshapes the rules of the game.
The law in question plans to bring crypto mining operations under the same regulations applied to data centers. It lays out standards for mining operations and provides them protection against discriminatory laws and taxation. Rick McClure, the state representative responsible for the bill's creation, claims there was little to no opposition against the legislation on the committee or legislative floors.
Yet, the residents barely had a chance to engage in a dialogue regarding the proposed legislation. The bill was proposed, discussed, and passed by lawmakers within a week - from March 30 to April 7, leaving the public with scarce time to voice their concerns. Arkansas hosts several crypto mining companies including Green Digital, GMI Computing, United BitEngine, and Cryptic Farms.
As the clock ticks down to August, local authorities are acting swiftly to address the constant barrage of noise complaints, linked to the incessant crypto mining activities.
After the bill's passage, the Association of Arkansas Counties drafted a model ordinance to aid counties before the new law comes into play. This tool has already been utilized by more than a dozen counties, implementing noise ordinances aimed at data centers.
While the upcoming law doesn't entirely ban county regulations, it does limit the local government's power. It prevents discrimination against crypto mining facilities, including arbitrary decibel limitations or biased rezoning. But as the countdown continues, it remains to be seen how this clash between local and state law will resolve.
