Several counties in Arkansas, USA, are hastening to pass emergency legislation granting them control over noise and other activities associated with cryptocurrency mining before a new state law takes effect on August 1, according to local media reports.
The impending state law aims to subject crypto mining facilities to the same regulations applied to data centers, establishing guidelines for miners and safeguarding them from discriminatory regulations and taxes.
However, the residents of Arkansas had little time to discuss the proposed legislation, as it swiftly moved through committees and was passed by legislators in a mere week, from March 30 to April 7.
State Representative Rick McClure, the bill’s author, reportedly stated that there was no opposition to the bill during committee discussions or legislative sessions.
Several crypto mining companies, including Green Digital, GMI Computing, United BitEngine, and Cryptic Farms, operate within the state of Arkansas.
Local authorities are introducing additional rules in response to complaints about non-stop excessive noise generated by mining operations.
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Kris Kendrick, justice of the peace on Faulkner County’s Quorum Court, expressed concerns about the noise and its impact on the neighbors during a meeting in July.
He mentioned that he doesn’t object to crypto mining itself but is troubled by the lack of consideration for the community regarding the constant noise.
Following the bill’s passage, the Association of Arkansas Counties developed a model ordinance for counties to use until the law takes effect.
As a result, over a dozen counties have reportedly passed noise ordinances specifically targeting data centers.
Justice of the Peace Maree Coats highlighted the severity of the noise issue, emphasizing that affected residents are unable to find respite even in their own homes, as the noise persists 24/7.
Despite not entirely prohibiting county regulations, the new legislation bars local governments from discriminating against crypto mining facilities or imposing restrictions on decibel levels “other than the limits set for sound pollution generally.”
Additionally, counties are forbidden from rezoning areas with the intention or effect of discriminating against digital mining operations.
This rush to establish regulations comes amid the increasing prominence of cryptocurrency mining in Arkansas, prompting authorities to strike a balance between addressing legitimate concerns of noise and protecting the rights of mining companies within the state.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, these counties seek to be prepared for the new state law and its impact on crypto mining activities.
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