Resolution would have let a senator propose monitoring mining’s water and power use

The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission would monitor water use and could take action against an operation. Monitoring would cover blockchain networks and digital asset mining in Arkansas. The commission could act against a network or business only if excessive water use threatens the state’s critical groundwater supplies.

The Arkansas Public Service Commission would monitor grid effects and could direct a utility to halt service. The monitoring and possible service halt would concern blockchain networks and digital asset mining businesses. The commission could direct a utility to halt service only if an operation threatens the electric grid’s reliability.

The two commissions would adopt rules to carry out the proposed requirements. The rules would implement the proposed water monitoring and electric grid provisions. The Natural Resources Commission and Public Service Commission would send proposed rules to the Legislative Council early enough for review before January 1, 2027. If approval has not occurred by January 1, 2027, the commissions would file the final rules as soon as practicable after approval. Initial final rules would be filed by January 1, 2027, or, if approval has not occurred by then, as soon as practicable after approval.