Arkansas Senate Committee Votes Against Cryptocurrency Mining Bill

The Arkansas Senate’s City, County and Local Affairs Committee voted against a bill aimed at prohibiting crypto mining businesses from operating within 30 miles of military facilities, as reported by The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The bill, rejected on Thursday with a vote of 6 to 1, also proposed revoking permits for existing crypto mining facilities located near military establishments.

The proposed legislation included an emergency clause for immediate implementation due to national and state security concerns regarding crypto mining operations near military bases, including hospitals and clinics.

The original bill stated, “This act is immediately necessary in order to ensure the health and safety of the State of Arkansas and its citizens.”

In May, former President Joe Biden blocked Mine One Partners Limited, a crypto mining company with significant Chinese ownership, from acquiring property near a Wyoming Air Force base due to national security concerns.

Conversely, former President Donald Trump expressed support for the domestic bitcoin mining industry, advocating for all future bitcoin to be mined within the U.S., which already handles over 40% of global crypto mining, according to TheMinerMag.

Beyond national security, crypto mining has faced criticism for its substantial electricity consumption and environmental impact. In response, mining companies are working on more sustainable equipment. At CES 2025, Canaan introduced a new bitcoin miner that doubles as a home heater.