Current:Home > NewsArkansas lawmakers approve new restrictions on cryptocurrency mines after backlash over ’23 law-LoTradeCoin
Arkansas lawmakers approve new restrictions on cryptocurrency mines after backlash over ’23 law
View Date:2024-12-23 21:15:33
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to new restrictions on cryptocurrency mining operations after facing backlash for limiting local governments’ ability to regulate them last year.
The majority-Republican House overwhelmingly approved the Senate-backed measures, sending them to GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ desk. The bills were among the few non-budget issues on the agenda for a legislative session lawmakers expect to wrap up Thursday.
The bills are intended to address complaints about a law passed last year on cryptocurrency mines, which are data centers requiring large amounts of computing power and electricity. Local officials and residents who live near the operations complained that last year’s law interfered with addressing complaints about the mines’ noise and impact on the community.
The measures require the facilities to apply noise-reduction techniques, and requires crypto mining businesses to get a permit from the state to operate. It also removes portions of the 2023 law that limited local governments’ ability to enact measures regulating the sound decibels generated by the facilities.
“Let’s do what we can to help those who have been impacted in a negative way, and work for better solutions,” Republican Rep. Rick McClure said before the vote.
Sponsors of the measure have described the bills as a stop-gap until lawmakers return for next year’s regular session and take up more comprehensive changes.
The legislation also prohibits businesses and individuals from several countries, including China, from owning crypto mining operations in the state.
Democratic Rep. Andrew Collins, who voted against both bills, said he was concerned about the way that limit was worded and the impact it could have on foreign investment.
“We’re casting a net that is both too wide and too narrow,” Collins said during a committee hearing on the bills Tuesday. “It’s going to catch people up who are totally innocent, and it’s going to miss a lot of people who are either home-grown or are from countries not on this list.”
Lawmakers passed the legislation as the House and Senate gave initial approval to bills detailing the state’s $6.3 billion budget for the coming year. Both chambers are expected to give final approval to that legislation Thursday.
Sanders plans to sign the crypto mining bills into law, her office said.
veryGood! (6834)
Related
- Indiana man is found guilty of murder in the 2017 killings of 2 teenage girls
- Spring Into Style With the Best Plus Size Fashion Deals From Amazon: Leggings, Dresses, Workwear & More
- Score 51% off a Revlon Heated Brush, a $300 Coach Bag for $76, and More of Today’s Best Deals
- Florida’s DeSantis signs one of the country’s most restrictive social media bans for minors
- 2 weeks after Peanut the Squirrel's euthanasia, owner is seeking answers, justice
- Dark circles under your eyes? Here's how to get rid of them
- Northeast U.S. pummeled with a mix of wind, rain, sleet and heavy snow on first weekend of spring
- 'Tig Notaro: Hello Again': Release date, where to watch and stream the new comedy special
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, is expected to make full recovery
- Why Frankie Muniz says he would 'never' let his son be a child star
Ranking
- Louisiana man kills himself and his 1-year-old daughter after a pursuit
- A Colorado dentist is accused of his wife's murder. Did he poison her protein shakes?
- Anne Hathaway Shares She Suffered Miscarriage Before Welcoming Sons With Adam Shulman
- Bachelor Alum Juan Pablo Galavis' 14-Year-Old Daughter Auditions for American Idol
- Why Jersey Shore's Jenni JWoww Farley May Not Marry Her Fiancé Zack Clayton
- Darian DeVries named men’s basketball coach at West Virginia after 6 seasons at Drake
- 1886 shipwreck found in Lake Michigan by explorers using newspaper clippings as clues: Bad things happen in threes
- Colorado university hires 2 former US attorneys to review shooting, recommend any changes
Recommendation
-
Cleveland Browns’ Hakeem Adeniji Shares Stillbirth of Baby Boy Days Before Due Date
-
Score the Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Under $25 Before They're Gone
-
From 'Fallout' to 'Bridgerton,' these are the TV shows really worth watching this spring
-
After tumultuous 5 years for Boeing, CEO will depart as part of broader company leadership shakeup
-
New 'Yellowstone' is here: Season 5 Part 2 premiere date, time, where to watch
-
Katie Couric reveals birth of first grandchild, significance behind name: 'I am thrilled'
-
Rescue effort turns to recovery in search for 6-year-old who fell into Pennsylvania creek
-
Judge sets April 15 trial date in Trump hush money case, rejecting request for a delay