In a decisive move on Monday night, the Hawkins County Commission voted to prohibit data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations within the county. This resolution echoes the commission’s previous efforts to tackle concerns surrounding these facilities.
While the commission has implemented similar restrictions before, Monday night’s decision required a two-thirds majority from the present members. Achieving this threshold, the resolution saw 12 commissioners voting in favor, although two members were not in attendance.
The recent ban has sparked legal action, with The Beacon Center of Tennessee filing a federal lawsuit against Hawkins County. The legal challenge, made on behalf of ExoticRidge Crypto Company LLC, argues that the ban is “unconstitutional, arbitrary” and not aligned with Tennessee state law.
ExoticRidge Crypto Company LLC contends that the county’s comprehensive ban unfairly targets data centers and crypto mining, suggesting that it contravenes legal standards and stifles economic opportunities.
If the county loses the suit and a judge were to rule in favor of ExoticRidge, Monday’s resolution would be invalidated.