Arkansas has recently passed the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023, a bill to regulate bitcoin (BTC) mining within the state.
The legislation, now awaiting the governor’s approval, aims to create guidelines for miners, protect them from discriminatory regulations and taxes, and acknowledge the positive economic impact of data centers on local communities.
NEW‼️🇺🇸 The Right to Mine #Bitcoin is now law in the State of Arkansas – Satoshi Action Fund 🙌 pic.twitter.com/KKwqv5fG4t
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) April 19, 2023
The move follows a similar initiative in Montana and contrasts sharply with New York’s recent crypto-mining ban.
The Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023: fair treatment for miners
The Arkansas bill, proposed by Senator Jill Bryant and Rick McClure, seeks to ensure fair treatment for bitcoin miners by equating them with data centers.
The legislation requires miners to pay applicable taxes and government fees in acceptable currency forms and operate without causing stress on electric public utilities.
This move is seen as a step towards industry growth in Arkansas and protection against fraudulent business practices.
A national trend: states taking sides on bitcoin mining
The regulation of bitcoin mining in the United States is gaining momentum, with states like Arkansas and Montana adopting legislation to protect miners from unfair treatment.
In February, Montana’s Senate passed a bill to prevent additional taxes on cryptocurrencies used for payments and eliminate discriminatory energy rates against home crypto miners and digital asset businesses.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Montana Senate passes bill to protect #Bitcoin and #crypto mining rights. pic.twitter.com/KswjAZKHFn
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) February 23, 2023
However, other states like New York have taken an opposing stance, with Governor Kathy Hochul signing a two-year moratorium on proof-of-work (PoW) mining.
JUST IN☢️: NY Governor Kathy Hochul signs bill triggering a two-year moratorium on new permits for bitcoin mining companies that are powered by fossil fuels and use proof-of-work authentication methods – [Bloomberg]NEW YORK THROWING THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATHWATER SMH
— Simply Bitcoin (@SimplyBitcoinTV) November 23, 2022
On a federal level, President Joe Biden’s budget proposal could impose a 30% tax on electricity costs for crypto miners, aimed at reducing mining activity.
‼️🇺🇸 President Biden proposes 30% tax on electricity used for #Bitcoin mining. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/j0jjGfYd59
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) March 10, 2023
The future of bitcoin mining regulation in the United States
The contrasting approaches by different states highlight the growing debate around bitcoin mining regulation in the US.
As legislation continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether more states will follow the lead of Arkansas and Montana in embracing and regulating the industry, or if stricter measures will be implemented to curb mining activities.
The outcome will have significant implications for the growth and sustainability of the cryptocurrency sector in the United States.
