Hawkins County, Tennessee passes a ban prohibiting the operation of crypto mining facilities and data centers in unincorporated areas

Odaily reports that the Hawkins County Commissioners in Tennessee, USA, have unanimously passed a ban by a vote of 12-0, prohibiting the establishment, construction, installation, expansion, and operation of crypto mining facilities and data centers in all unincorporated areas of the county.

The commission previously passed a similar ban in September 2025 to prevent digital asset firm ExoticRidge from conducting mining operations locally, and in January adopted a resolution to confirm its relevant authority.

In January, ExoticRidge and Hawkins County officials proposed a settlement to allow the company to construct and operate its facility subject to noise restrictions. The proposed terms require that A-weighted decibel noise at the property boundary must not exceed 80 decibels for more than 30 minutes within any 4-hour period.

A law signed in Tennessee in April stipulates that, starting July 1, the use and installation of cryptocurrency ATMs and self-service terminals is illegal. The related restrictions target incidents where residents use the devices to transfer funds to scammers.