Bill > SB10

This bill amends the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023 to give two state commissions - the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and the Arkansas Public Service Commission - new regulatory powers over blockchain networks and digital asset mining operations. Specifically, the Natural Resources Commission is now empowered to monitor water usage by these operations and can take action if water consumption threatens critical groundwater supplies, potentially closing down such operations. Similarly, the Public Service Commission can monitor the impact of blockchain and digital asset mining on the electric grid and can direct utilities to halt service to operations that threaten grid reliability. Both commissions are required to create and seek approval for rules implementing these new oversight responsibilities. The bill uses the terms "blockchain networks" and "digital asset mining" broadly, which likely refers to cryptocurrency mining and related computational activities that can consume significant amounts of water and electricity. The regulations aim to protect Arkansas's water resources and electrical infrastructure from potential strain caused by these energy-intensive technological operations.

Government Affairs

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb10&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R