Arkansas lawmakers float bill to ban crypto mining near military facilities
Arkansas lawmakers introduced Senate Bill (SB 60) to ban crypto mining operations within 30 miles of any US military facility in the state. The bill, introduced on January 15 by Senator Ricky Hill and House Speaker Brian Evans, amends the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023. It targets military bases, camps, hospitals, clinics, and arsenals, allowing existing facilities operational before December 31, 2024, to continue. The legislation specifically impacts a crypto mining facility near Little Rock Air Force Base, raising national security and noise pollution concerns. Interstate Holdings opposes the bill, arguing it would uniquely affect Arkansas and asserting compliance with regulations. Previous noise pollution issues have been reported in the state, and similar federal actions have occurred regarding foreign-linked crypto mining operations.
