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HR 1009

TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO REQUIRE A DIGITAL ASSET MINING BUSINESS TO PAY A FEE FOR EXTRAORDINARY ELECTRICAL ENERGY USAGE AND TO IMPLEMENT OVERSIGHT PROCEDURES.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Ron McNair

Arkansas bill authorizes legislation requiring cryptocurrency miners to pay fees for excessive electricity use and establishes state regulatory oversight of mining operations.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HR 1009

Legislative bill overview

HR 1009 is an Arkansas bill that would authorize the introduction of legislation requiring digital asset mining operations (primarily cryptocurrency miners) to pay fees based on their extraordinary electrical consumption. The bill also establishes oversight procedures for monitoring and regulating these energy-intensive operations.

Why is this important

Cryptocurrency mining consumes significant amounts of electricity, which can strain local power grids, increase energy costs for other consumers, and create environmental concerns. Arkansas has become attractive to mining operations due to its relatively cheap hydroelectric power, making this a practical policy concern for the state. The fee structure would help offset public costs while the oversight provisions would give the state regulatory tools.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry competitiveness: Mining companies may argue that targeted fees make Arkansas less competitive compared to other states, potentially driving operations elsewhere and reducing local economic investment and job creation
  • Defining "extraordinary" usage: The bill doesn't specify thresholds, leaving ambiguity about which operations trigger fees and creating potential disputes over fairness and regulatory clarity
  • Rate structure fairness: Questions about how fees are calculated, whether they're proportional to actual grid impacts, and whether they unfairly single out one industry versus other heavy energy users like data centers or manufacturing

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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