Arkansas lawmakers propose bill to ban cryptocurrency mining near military installations

Lawmakers in the US state of Arkansas have introduced a new bill that would ban cryptocurrency mining operations within a 30-mile radius of all US military installations in the state.
According to Cointelegraph on the 16th (local time), on the 15th, Senator Ricky Hill and Speaker of the House Brian Evans introduced Senate Bill (SB 1999-2003).
60) is a proposed law that would see the Arkansas Data Center Act of 2023 enacted to keep cryptocurrency mining facilities away from military facilities.
The bill aims to amend the U.S. Data Centers Act, which bans cryptocurrency mining within a 30-mile radius of military bases, camps, hospitals, clinics, logistics warehouses, etc.
However, there is an exception to the rule that allows facilities that were completed and operating before December 31 to continue operating.
The move comes after the Biden administration in May declared land near a military base in Wyoming a target for a China-linked cryptocurrency mining operation.
The bill is similar to an order that blocked Florida-based real estate investment company Interstate Corp. from using the technology.
Holdings is building a cryptocurrency exchange in Lonnock County near the Little Rock Air Force Base in Cabot City, Arkansas.
Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade raised the issue of noise pollution in December after residents complained, and Senator Hill
"Why did they choose this facility, less than five miles from our Air Force base? This is a national security issue," Hill said at the time.
"Such facilities generate significant noise, create pollution and have adverse effects on residents, pets, wildlife, the natural environment and overall welfare."
Meanwhile, Interstate Vice President Dustin Curtis opposes the bill, saying in an interview with local media, "This bill is a violation of Arkansas' laws.
"This bill would make South Carolina the only state in the nation with such a restriction. No one has ever asked for this bill from the Governor's office or the Attorney General's office."
Additionally, Curtis noted that noise levels at the proposed Carbot facility would be lower than those of nearby interstate highways.
"Interstate's Carbot mining facility complies with all state and federal regulations regarding noise, environmental impact and security," he said.