Letter to the Editor: Thoughts About Our Community’s Situation

By Sheila Noble

Thoughts about our community’s situation with the crypto mining have been weighing heavily on my mind. I know that many of you can relate. Writing this commentary is something I have felt compelled to do and I hope more information will be gained about what we are facing as a community and state.

First, we are urging our Governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders to call a special session to revisit and repeal Act 851 that welcomed crypto mines into our state. The Bill 1799 was passed at the legislative session earlier this year and became Act 851.

Many are still asking questions about crypto mining. This is a new concept for most of us and difficult to understand. Keep in mind that crypto means “hidden” or “secret”. Cryptocurrency is not backed by any assets. Whereas the US dollar is backed by the federal government, crypto is not backed by any government or institution. Crypto mining was introduced in 2009. It is the process of making a cryptocurrency transaction where you can bitcoins (like a token). A network of computers is involved to compete in solving complex mathematical problems. Bitcoins are money that is completely virtual, not traceable and the parties that are involved in these transactions remain completely anonymous. Bitcoins have become the currency of choice in the web’s black market. They are used to buy and sell drugs, weapons and fund human trafficking and terrorism, which are all dark and evil acts.

It speaks volumes that China banned these crypto mines in 2021. Chinas government was concerned about the effects on the environment and people using digital currencies for fraud and money laundering. After China banned the crypto mines, many from the Chinese Communist Party invaded the US because of cheap land, low electricity rates, and little to no regulation. I find it interesting that these foreign entities prefer setting up these pods or mobile containers known as “ant boxes” rather than putting up a facility so that they can easily relocate should the need arise!

When the crypto mines were being put up just outside of our town, no-one seemed to know what was going on. It was slipped in on us and we didn’t have a clue. Crypto mines were not on our radar! As word got out, meetings were started with a small group attending. The public meetings became regular with more and more concerned citizens attending. There is a Facebook page “Say No to Crypto” where you can gain more information and voice your concerns. Our community is not only fighting for ourselves, but for the rights of all Arkansas citizens!

Several weeks ago, my husband and I happened to watch “60 minutes” on Sunday night TV. Scott Pelley interviewed Christopher Wray, the FBI Director about threats on the United States. Pelley met with the FBI Director along with intelligence directors of our English-speaking allies. According to Pelley, “They are known as the Five Eyes and together they know more about the threats in the world than possibly anyone. This was the first time they have ever appeared in an interview together. They have done it now because they are alarmed by China, which they say is the greatest threat that democracy has ever faced.”

The ‘Five Eyes’ is an alliance that was formed after WWII between the US, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia to share intelligence and coordinate security efforts.

Citizens of our county and state have many questions and concerns about the crypto mines invading our farmlands and properties. Here are some of the main concerns:

-It takes an enormous amount of electricity to run hundreds of computers and fans to cool them in these ant boxes. The mines are being located near rural electric substations. Will this cause an additional strain on our electric grid? What about blackouts and surges? Will our electric bills increase? What about our farmers? They use electric irrigation wells to water their crops.

-There are water issues. Will there be an extra drain in the current low water table/aquifer? Will the farmers and citizens water amounts be compromised? Will the farmers have access to enough water for their crops?

-There are noise issues. The farms used to cool the computers make a loud, high pitched noise 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Will this affect our quality of life? What about our senior citizens and those with health issues? Will the unborn be affected? Will this high pitch noise influence farm livestock, pets and wildlife? This could be devastating for local hunting careers and the economy.

-What about the property values? Will homes/property become lower in value if near a mining location? Last, but most importantly not least, what about National Security? Is our own National Security being compromised? What else are these computers being used for other than “mining” cryptocurrency? Think about it!

As lawmakers are asking questions about crypto mines, these foreign entities continue to lease property for new facilities around our state. It is up to us as Arkansas Citizens to voice our concerns to our Governor, legislators and anyone who will listen.

I am very thankful and encouraged by the work of our Representative Jeremiah Moore who has listened to our concerns and is taking action!

We must spread the word throughout our state about Act 851 being revisited and repealed for the safety and security of all our citizens.