Virtual currency mining equipment (Shutterstock)
Cryptocurrency mines in Arkansas have already been condemned by neighbors and scrutinized in court, but are now the subject of a legislative review.
Lawmakers in Arkansas, who last year protected noisy, energy-intensive Bitcoin mining facilities with a law that preempted local regulations, are revisiting the issue.
Many say voting for Act 851 of 2023 was a mistake.
Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, voted in favor of the bill, which makes “discrimination” against the center illegal. The center is a complex filled with hundreds of computers that solve complex arithmetic problems and generate cryptocurrencies. But that was before a cryptocurrency mine opened in her district, Senate District 24.
“At the time the bill was introduced, there were no crypto mines in my district,” Irvin said. arkansas business on mail. “Had I known how horrifying and unpleasant the noise would be to people living near the facilities, I never would have voted for this bill. There are now many members of Congress who feel the same way.”
Digital currency mining and its plans sparked controversy across the state last year, with cities and counties racing to impose restrictions before the law took effect on Aug. 1. Arkansans complained about the high power use, environmental impact, and Chinese ownership.
Last month, Irvin approved a legislative inquiry into crypto mining.
“This is a relatively new industry in our state, it's an emerging industry, so I think there's a lot of concern on a lot of different levels,” Irvin said. “Continuous high levels of noise 24/7 is clearly a public health issue.”
Digital landmines in Irvin's district have had a “significant impact” on the health of an autistic child who lives nearby, she said.
“I believe there should be a statewide standard for acceptable noise levels in these facilities,” Irvin said. “Counties should not have to spend valuable resources monitoring noise levels….”
Faulkner County enacted a noise ordinance last summer after dozens of noise complaints and lawsuits were filed by nearly 20 residents at a cryptocurrency mine near Greenbrier.
The data center's owner, Bono Management, has built soundproof walls that keep noise levels below the nighttime peak of 55 decibels. But officials speaking before members of the House and Senate Joint Public Health, Human Services and Labor Committee last month said the county's noise ordinance is difficult to enforce. Deputies testified that obtaining acceptable acoustic measurements requires measuring temperature, wind speed, direction and ambient noise from multiple locations.
“I believe local governments should have the ability to manage this industry for the benefit of their communities,” Irvin said. But she also said she supports state oversight, including statewide standards, permits and “checks and balances.”
Irvin said the facility would employ other types of businesses, companies that would “actually bring more jobs to the region versus the very minimal jobs that would be created by a crypto mine.” She said she was concerned it could hinder efforts.
Cryptocurrency mining, which uses water to cool computers, is quieter, but Irvin said the large amounts of water used could overwhelm the system in small communities.
“The same thing applies to the power grid; [power] Demand it,” Irvin said. If you wish to drain water from your cooling system, you must obtain a permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.
Irvin and Rep. Lee Johnson, D-Greenwood, directed a legislative subcommittee to study the issue and work on a bill for 2025.
Tom Hurford of the Arkansas Blockchain Council, which advocates for sustainable U.S.-owned mines, said the council would “not support any efforts to amend Act 851, including noise ordinances and foreign ownership of crypto mines in the state.” I support it.''
