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.


LRB103 40353 BDA 72617 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

SB3933LRB103 40353 BDA 72617 b

1    AN ACT concerning safety.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Environmental Protection Act is amended by
5adding Section 25.1 as follows:
 
6    (415 ILCS 5/25.1 new)
7    Sec. 25.1. Cryptocurrency mining facility noise.
8    (a) As used in this Section:
9    "Cryptocurrency" means a type of virtual currency that
10uses cryptography to secure transactions that are digitally
11recorded on a distributed ledger, such as a blockchain.
12    "Cryptocurrency mining" means the process whereby
13computers, also known as nodes or mining rigs, validate
14blockchain transactions for a specific cryptocurrency and, in
15turn, receive a mining reward for their computational efforts.
16"Cryptocurrency mining" includes the use of necessarily
17related devices and procedures, including cooling devices and
18procedures.
19    "Cryptocurrency mining facility" means a facility where
20cryptocurrency mining occurs.
21    (b) For the purposes of limiting excessive noise created
22by cryptocurrency mining that endangers physical and emotional
23health and well-being, interferes with legitimate business and

 

 

SB3933- 2 -LRB103 40353 BDA 72617 b

1recreational activities, increases construction costs,
2depresses property values, offends the senses, creates public
3nuisances, or reduces the quality of the surrounding
4environment, cryptocurrency mining facilities shall apply
5noise-reduction techniques, including, but not limited to:
6        (1) using liquid cooling or submerged cooling;
7        (2) fully enclosing the envelope where noise from the
8    operation of cryptocurrency mining is directly produced
9    around all sides, including above and below the equipment
10    producing the noise, with material that is reasonably
11    calculated by industry standards to reduce noise emissions
12    to a level that is acceptable to a reasonable person under
13    similar circumstances; or
14        (3) locating or relocating to:
15            (A) a minimum of 2,000 feet from the nearest
16        residential or commercial use structure; or
17            (B) an area zoned for industrial use.
18    (c) The Board shall adopt rules implementing this Section.
19    (d) The Agency, as the noise control agency for the State,
20shall enforce the provisions of this Section, as well as rules
21adopted under this Section. The Agency may adopt rules to
22administer and implement this Section, as applicable.