Newrays One LLC Alleges Faulkner County Noise Ordinance Targeted Due to “Anti-Chinese Sentiment”

The small community of Bono in Faulkner County, Arkansas, has been at the center of a legal battle between Newrays One LLC and local officials over a noise ordinance that the company claims was passed due to “anti-Chinese sentiment.” The crypto-mining facility operated by Newrays has been the source of complaints from residents about loud noises, leading to the passage of Faulkner County Ordinance 23-20 last year.

Despite efforts to mitigate the noise, including the installation of sound walls, the company has been in court fighting against the ordinance. In a federal lawsuit filed against Faulkner County officials, Newrays alleges that the ordinance was specifically targeted at them because of perceived Chinese ownership.

Faulkner County Quorum Court member John Allison defended the ordinance, stating that it was necessary to address the noise issues affecting residents living near the facility. He emphasized that the decision was not based on the company’s ownership but rather on the impact of the noise on the community.

The lawsuit also claims that the ordinance was rushed through to take effect before Arkansas Act 851, which limits local government regulation of crypto-mining operations. The emergency clause in Ordinance 23-20 was cited as evidence of this alleged rush to pass the ordinance.

A hearing on the lawsuit was scheduled for October 4, with lawyers representing Newrays One LLC and Faulkner County officials unable to comment due to the ongoing nature of the case. The legal battle highlights the tensions between local regulations and the growing crypto-mining industry in rural communities like Bono.