Arkansas Code Title 15. Natural Resources and Economic Development § 15-58-206. Conflict of interests

(a) No person performing any function or duty under this chapter shall have a direct or indirect financial interest in any underground or surface coal mining operation. Whoever knowingly violates the provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or by imprisonment of not more than one (1) year, or by both.

(b) The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission shall publish rules to establish methods by which the provisions of this section will be monitored and enforced, including appropriate provisions for the persons to file for the Director of the Division of Environmental Quality’s review, statements, and supplements thereto concerning any financial interest which may be affected by this section.

(c) Any member of the commission who has a direct or indirect financial interest in an underground or surface coal mining operation may continue to serve on the commission but shall abstain from participating in any matter that relates to underground or surface coal mining operations.