The Arkansas Senate's City, County and Local Affairs Committee voted against a bill that aimed to ban the establishment of crypto mining businesses within 30 miles of military facilities. The proposed legislation was defeated with six votes opposing and one in favor.
The bill not only sought to prevent new crypto mining operations from being set up near military sites but also included provisions to rescind business permits for existing facilities located in proximity to such establishments.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by an emergency clause, which highlighted concerns over national and state security risks posed by crypto mining activities near military hospitals, clinics, and other facilities.
In the text of the original bill, it was stated that immediate action was necessary to protect the health and safety of Arkansas and its residents. This move follows a national trend of scrutinizing the location of crypto mining operations in relation to national security.
In May of the previous year, former U.S. President Joe Biden issued an order to prevent Mine One Partners Limited, a company with significant Chinese investment, from operating near an Air Force base in Wyoming, citing concerns over national security.
Conversely, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his support for the domestic bitcoin mining industry, advocating for all future bitcoin mining to occur within the United States. According to a report from TheMinerMag earlier this month, the U.S. currently contributes to over 40% of the global crypto mining market.
Beyond issues of national security, the crypto mining industry faces criticism from environmentalists due to its substantial electricity usage and the resulting environmental waste. In response to these environmental concerns, mining companies are investing in the development of more sustainable technologies.
During CES 2025, Canaan, a mining hardware manufacturer, introduced an innovative bitcoin miner that doubles as a home heating solution.
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