Arkansas Senate Rejects Crypto Mining Ban Near Military Bases

The Arkansas Senate has rejected Senate Bill 60, which aimed to prohibit crypto mining facilities within a 30-mile radius of any military facility in the state. The bill, introduced by Senator Ricky Hill and Representative Brian S. Evans, sought to address security risks posed by digital asset mining near military installations.

The bill required existing mining operations within this zone to cease operations unless they had obtained permits from the Oil and Gas Commission before December 31, 2024. It also granted the Attorney General the authority to investigate potential violations and issue subpoenas to enforce compliance. However, the bill failed to gain sufficient support, leaving digital asset mining businesses free to operate without the proposed restrictions.

The rejection of the bill comes amidst a growing debate about the impact of crypto mining on national security and the environment. While advocates for the bill cited potential risks, opponents argued that the economic opportunities presented by crypto mining outweigh the concerns. The defeat of the bill reflects a growing acceptance of the blockchain industry in Arkansas.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in North Dakota have introduced legislation to safeguard the rights of cryptocurrency users and miners. Representative Nathan Toman has put forward a bill designed to protect fundamental Bitcoin-related rights, including the right to mine, self-custody, peer-to-peer transactions, and run a node. This development highlights the ongoing dialogue about the future of cryptocurrency and its acceptance within the regulatory framework of the United States.

The fate of crypto mining regulations not only reflects the position of individual states but also resonates at the national level as cryptocurrency gains traction. With the return of President Donald Trump, who has made clear his support for the domestic Bitcoin mining industry, further developments in this sector are anticipated. His administration’s endorsement of an American-centric approach to Bitcoin mining aligns with growing public interest and could influence legislative trends across the country.