To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Regulate The Impact On Water Usage And The Electric Grid By Blockchain Networks And Digital Asset Mining.
Impact
If enacted, SR14 will significantly influence state laws related to environmental management and energy regulation. By placing the onus of monitoring and potential regulation on state commissions, the bill seeks to address growing concerns about the sustainability of blockchain and digital mining activities in Arkansas. These activities can consume considerable amounts of water and electricity, raising environmental issues that need to be managed to protect the state’s resources.
Summary
SR14 is a Senate Resolution introduced by Senator B. King aimed at modifying the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023. The primary focus of the bill is to establish regulations regarding the impact of blockchain networks and digital asset mining on the state's natural resources, particularly water usage and the electric grid. The bill empowers the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to monitor water usage related to these operations and allows for intervention if excessive water usage is identified. Additionally, the Arkansas Public Service Commission is tasked with overseeing the impact of these operations on the electric grid and may direct utilities to cease service if necessary for grid reliability.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding SR14 concerning the balance between promoting technological advancements in blockchain and ensuring environmental protection. Stakeholders may express concerns about the effectiveness of the monitoring processes proposed by the bill and whether they adequately safeguard against resource depletion. Moreover, the bill highlights a broader debate over regulation versus innovation in the tech sector, as some may view the oversight as potentially stifling to growth in this emerging industry.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Regulate The Impact On Water Usage And The Electric Grid By Blockchain Networks And Digital Asset Mining.
To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; And To Regulate The Impact On Water Usage And The Electric Grid By Blockchain Networks And Digital Asset Mining.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Require A Digital Asset Mining Business To Pay A Fee For Extraordinary Electrical Energy Usage.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Require A Digital Asset Mining Business To Pay A Fee For Extraordinary Electrical Energy Usage.
To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.
Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Create A Task Force To Study The Approval Of Blockchain Technology And Cryptocurrency In The State.