Federal Policy for the Establishment of “New Bethel” in Wyoming’s National Forest
Title: Establishment and Special Governance of New Bethel, Wyoming
Preamble:
Recognizing the unique opportunity for innovation, cultural preservation, and economic growth, this policy outlines the creation of “New Bethel,” a Christian-themed city within Wyoming’s National Forest. It aims to foster an environment where traditional values coexist with advanced technology, all while minimizing regulatory constraints to encourage creativity and self-sufficiency.
Section 1: Designation and Scope
- 1.1 Declaration: The area within the Wyoming National Forest, as delineated by geographic coordinates [to be specified], shall be designated as “New Bethel.”
- 1.2 Sovereignty: New Bethel shall operate under a special federal and state statute, allowing for unique tax structures, regulatory freedoms, and economic systems.
Section 2: Taxation
- 2.1 Income Tax: Residents and businesses of New Bethel shall be subject to a combined federal and state income tax rate of 5%, regardless of the income bracket. This rate shall not be altered by future fiscal policies unless explicitly amended by Congress.
- 2.1.1 Exemptions: Non-resident investors in New Bethel’s projects enjoy tax exemptions on capital gains for investments held longer than one year.
- 2.2 Property Tax: No property taxes shall be levied on land or structures within New Bethel to encourage development and permanent residency.
- 2.3 Sales Tax: New Bethel shall be exempt from state and local sales tax to promote a consumer-friendly environment.
Section 3: Regulatory Framework
- 3.1 Deregulation: New Bethel shall not be bound by federal, state, or local regulations that typically govern construction, zoning, environmental impact assessments, or business operations, except where national security or public safety is directly threatened.
- 3.1.1 Environmental Considerations: While exempt from standard regulations, New Bethel shall adopt a community-based approach to environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable development.
- 3.2 Innovation Sandbox: New Bethel will act as a regulatory sandbox where new technologies, particularly in blockchain and decentralized finance, can be tested without the usual regulatory constraints.
- 3.2.1 Cryptocurrency Utilization: The city will incentivize the use of decentralized currencies like XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum for transactions, both internal and for external trade.
Section 4: Financial and Economic Systems
- 4.1 Decentralized Finance (DeFi): New Bethel will pioneer the use of DeFi platforms for all financial transactions, replacing traditional banking with:
- 4.1.1 Digital Currency: Primary use of cryptocurrencies named above, with local issuances or tokens possible for specific community projects.
- 4.1.2 Smart Contracts: To automate, verify, or enforce negotiation of contracts, providing trust, transparency, and efficiency in transactions.
- 4.2 Grants and Incentives:
- 4.2.1 Innovation Grants: Federal and state grants will be available for projects focusing on technological innovation, sustainable living, or community enhancement, with a streamlined approval process.
- 4.2.2 Tax Credits: Businesses and individuals adopting and promoting the use of blockchain technologies for economic activities will receive tax credits.
Section 5: Infrastructure and Development
- 5.1 Construction:
- 5.1.1 Building Codes: While exempt from standard codes, New Bethel will develop its own, focusing on sustainability, community aesthetics, and safety.
- 5.1.2 Public Works: Infrastructure projects will be community-driven, with funds allocated through decentralized governance models.
- 5.2 Technology Integration:
- 5.2.1 Blockchain: All city records, including property deeds, business licenses, and public transactions, will be recorded on a public blockchain for transparency and immutability.
- 5.2.2 Internet and Connectivity: High-speed, free internet access will be provided through community-funded networks to ensure inclusivity in technological advancements.
Section 6: Governance
- 6.1 Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO): New Bethel shall be governed by a DAO, where decisions are made by token holders through smart contract voting mechanisms.
- 6.1.1 Decision Making: Proposals for laws, budgets, and community projects will be voted on by the community, ensuring direct democracy and participation.
- 6.2 Legal Framework:
- 6.2.1 Federal Oversight: A special federal oversight committee will review New Bethel’s governance to ensure it aligns with national interests but does not interfere in daily operations.
Section 7: Implementation and Oversight
- 7.1 Timeline: The policy will take effect one year following its passage to allow for initial setup and community engagement.
- 7.2 Oversight: A joint federal-state commission will monitor the development, compliance with this policy, and ensure that the experiment does not result in adverse effects nationally.
Section 8: Amendments and Review
- 8.1 Policy Review: This policy will be subject to review every five years by Congress with input from New Bethel’s community to assess its effectiveness and make necessary amendments.
Section 9: Enactment
- 9.1 Legislation: This policy shall be enacted through legislation passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President, with Wyoming’s state legislature’s approval for state-specific clauses.
This policy document aims to create a unique living lab where Christian community values merge with technological innovation, using Wyoming’s existing crypto-friendly environment as a foundation for further experimentation and growth.