Environment

This bill authorizes the introduction of legislation to regulate how blockchain networks and digital asset mining operations affect water supplies and the electrical grid in Arkansas. It would require the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to monitor water usage by these industries and allow them to shut down operations that excessively deplete critical groundwater. Additionally, it would task the Arkansas Public Service Commission with monitoring the impact on the electric grid and permitting utilities to cut power to mining sites that threaten grid reliability. The proposed rules implementing these measures must be finalized and filed with the Secretary of State by January 1, 2027.

This bill, now enacted as Act 75, provides funding for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It directly affects the commission's staff by establishing the maximum number of employees and their salary rates across various roles, including leadership, enforcement, and support positions. The legislation sets specific limits on the number of workers in each category and defines the annual pay for each job title within the agency. By approving these budgetary details, the bill enables the commission to operate its programs related to wildlife management, fishing, and conservation during the specified period.

This bill authorizes the creation of a new law to regulate how blockchain networks and digital asset mining operations affect Arkansas's water supplies and electric grid. It would require the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to monitor water usage and allow the commission to shut down facilities that excessively consume groundwater. Additionally, it would task the Arkansas Public Service Commission with monitoring the impact on the electric grid and permitting utilities to halt service to mining operations that threaten grid reliability. The bill also mandates that the relevant agencies create specific rules to enforce these monitoring and enforcement powers by January 1, 2027.

This bill provides an additional $2.5 million in funding to the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment's Division of Environmental Quality for used tire recycling and abatement programs. The money will be taken from the state's General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund and is intended to supplement existing funds to ensure the agency can continue its essential services. The legislation includes standard provisions requiring the state to follow existing budget laws and regulations when spending the money. It was passed as an emergency measure, meaning it takes effect immediately upon approval to address what lawmakers describe as insufficient resources for critical environmental operations.

This bill primarily provides funding for the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for the 2026-2027 fiscal year while simultaneously restructuring the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. It abolishes the existing Commission and transfers its administrative duties, staff, and assets to a new Office of Keep Arkansas Beautiful, ensuring that employees retain their retirement benefits and existing rules remain in effect. The legislation also updates state laws to direct litter control fines to the new office and grants fee exemptions for waste collected during official cleanup campaigns. Additionally, it creates a nine-member advisory board to provide guidance to the new office, with members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.