SB10
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.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 10 seeks to amend the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023 to provide state oversight of blockchain and digital asset mining operations regarding their resource consumption. The bill mandates that the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission monitor the impact of these operations on groundwater supplies and grants the commission authority to take action against businesses found to be using excessive water. Additionally, the bill tasks the Arkansas Public Service Commission with monitoring the impact of these operations on the state's electric grid. The Public Service Commission is authorized to direct utilities to halt service to digital asset mining operations if their activity threatens the reliability of the grid. Finally, both commissions are required to promulgate rules to implement these oversight measures, which must be approved by the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include the general public, utility ratepayers, and the state government, as the bill aims to prevent potential service disruptions or resource depletion caused by high-energy and high-water consumption digital asset mining facilities. By protecting the reliability of the electric grid and critical groundwater supplies, the bill serves the broader interests of residents and businesses reliant on consistent utility services and natural resources.
Who Might Suffer?
Blockchain networks and digital asset mining businesses operating in Arkansas are the primary groups negatively impacted. These entities would face stricter regulatory scrutiny, potential government intervention in their operations, and the risk of being forced to cease activities if commissions determine their resource usage to be excessive or threatening to public infrastructure.
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