Arkansas Counties Battle Noise Pollution Amid Upcoming Crypto Regulations

As the new Arkansas state law looms, counties across the state are in a race  to pass emergency noise control legislations. The new law, set to take effect from August 1, brings crypto mining facilities under data center regulations. This move will both protect miners from discriminatory practices and establish operational guidelines, according to cointelegraph. 

The rush has ensued due to a lack of public consultation time. Legislators introduced and passed the bill in a remarkably short span, between March 30 and April 7. Surprisingly, according to the bill’s author, State Rep. Rick McClure, the legislation saw no opposition.

The wave of emergency legislations is driven by complaints about constant noise from crypto mining activities. Local leaders, like Kris Kendrick, a justice of the peace, have expressed concerns about the impact on community peace.

Post-legislation, the Association of Arkansas Counties has taken action. It created a model ordinance for counties to use as a framework for their own regulations. Already, over a dozen counties have passed noise control ordinances aimed at data centers since June.

Despite the ongoing response, the new state law does not entirely prohibit county-level regulations. However, it does restrict them from discriminating against crypto mining operations or from setting specific noise level limits. It also protects the zoning rights of these operations.

While local governments scramble to adapt, major crypto mining companies in Arkansas, such as Green Digital, GMI Computing, United BitEngine, and Cryptic Farms, wait to see the effects of the unfolding regulatory changes.

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