Resolution would let a senator introduce bill monitoring mining water and power use

The resolution would let Senator King introduce a bill requiring the Natural Resources Commission to monitor water use by blockchain networks and digital asset mining businesses. The monitoring would cover blockchain networks and digital asset mining in Arkansas. The proposed bill sets no separate start date for monitoring.

The resolution would let Senator King introduce a bill allowing the Natural Resources Commission to take action against a covered network or business. This applies to a blockchain network or digital asset mining business whose water use affects Arkansas. The Commission may act only if excessive water use threatens the state's critical groundwater supplies. The proposed bill sets no separate timing rule for this authority.

The resolution would let Senator King introduce a bill requiring the Public Service Commission to monitor the electric grid and allowing it to direct a utility to halt service. The monitoring and possible service halt would concern blockchain networks and digital asset mining businesses in Arkansas. The Commission could direct a halt only if a blockchain network or digital asset mining business threatens grid reliability. The proposed bill sets no separate start date for monitoring or authority to halt service.

The resolution would let Senator King introduce a bill requiring both commissions to adopt rules for these provisions. The rules would implement the water-use and electric-grid provisions assigned to the two commissions. The final initial rules would be due by January 1, 2027, unless the required Legislative Council approval had not occurred by then; in that case, they would be due as soon as practicable after approval. The final initial rules would be due by January 1, 2027, or as soon as practicable after approval if approval had not occurred by then.