SB3933 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 40353 BDA 72617 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3933

Introduced 4/24/2024, by Sen. Sue Rezin

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

415 ILCS 5/25.1 new

Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that cryptocurrency mining facilities shall apply noise-reduction techniques, including certain specified techniques. Provides that the Pollution Control Board shall adopt rules implementing these provisions. Provides that the Environmental Protection Agency, as the noise control agency for the State, shall enforce these provisions, as well as the rules adopted under these provisions. Provides that the Agency may adopt rules to administer and implement these provisions, as applicable. Defines terms.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning safety.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Environmental Protection Act is amended by adding Section 25.1 as follows:

(415 ILCS 5/25.1 new)

Sec. 25.1. Cryptocurrency mining facility noise.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Cryptocurrency" means a type of virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions that are digitally recorded on a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain.

"Cryptocurrency mining" means the process whereby computers, also known as nodes or mining rigs, validate blockchain transactions for a specific cryptocurrency and, in turn, receive a mining reward for their computational efforts. "Cryptocurrency mining" includes the use of necessarily related devices and procedures, including cooling devices and procedures.

"Cryptocurrency mining facility" means a facility where cryptocurrency mining occurs.

(b) For the purposes of limiting excessive noise created by cryptocurrency mining that endangers physical and emotional health and well-being, interferes with legitimate business and recreational activities, increases construction costs, depresses property values, offends the senses, creates public nuisances, or reduces the quality of the surrounding environment, cryptocurrency mining facilities shall apply noise-reduction techniques, including, but not limited to:

(1) using liquid cooling or submerged cooling;

(2) fully enclosing the envelope where noise from the operation of cryptocurrency mining is directly produced around all sides, including above and below the equipment producing the noise, with material that is reasonably calculated by industry standards to reduce noise emissions to a level that is acceptable to a reasonable person under similar circumstances; or

(3) locating or relocating to:

(A) a minimum of 2,000 feet from the nearest residential or commercial use structure; or

(B) an area zoned for industrial use.

(c) The Board shall adopt rules implementing this Section.

(d) The Agency, as the noise control agency for the State, shall enforce the provisions of this Section, as well as rules adopted under this Section. The Agency may adopt rules to administer and implement this Section, as applicable.