Un comté du Tennessee adopte une nouvelle interdiction des opérations de cryptomonnaies

Hawkins County, Tennessee, has approved another ban targeting cryptocurrency mining facilities and data centers in unincorporated areas, reinforcing earlier restrictions amid an ongoing legal dispute with crypto mining company ExoticRidge.

County officials unanimously backed the measure, citing concerns over local impacts, while the broader state continues tightening oversight of certain crypto-related businesses.

Points clés à retenir

• Hawkins County commissioners voted 12-0 to ban the establishment, construction, expansion, and operation of crypto mining facilities and data centers in unincorporated areas.
• The measure expands restrictions first introduced in September 2025 to block ExoticRidge from operating in the county.
• ExoticRidge has challenged the county’s restrictions in federal court, arguing the ban violates Tennessee law and is unconstitutional.
• A proposed settlement would allow the company to operate under strict noise limits, including a maximum of 80 A-weighted decibels (dBA) at the property line for no more than 30 minutes within any four-hour period.
• Tennessee has also implemented a statewide ban on cryptocurrency ATMs and kiosks, which took effect on July 1, following concerns over scams targeting residents.

Hawkins County Expands Crypto Mining Restrictions

The Hawkins County Commission unanimously approved a new resolution prohibiting the establishment, construction, installation, expansion, and operation of cryptocurrency mining facilities and data centers in the county’s unincorporated areas. The vote passed 12-0, with two commissioners absent, strengthening restrictions the county first adopted in September 2025.

County leaders previously approved similar measures to prevent crypto mining company ExoticRidge from establishing operations locally and later passed a resolution in January reaffirming their authority to enforce those restrictions.

Legal Dispute With Exoticridge Continues

The latest ban comes while Hawkins County remains involved in litigation with ExoticRidge. The lawsuit, filed in federal court by the Beacon Center of Tennessee on behalf of the company, argues that the county’s broad prohibition on crypto mining facilities and data centers is unconstitutional, arbitrary, and inconsistent with Tennessee law. If the court rules in ExoticRidge’s favor, the county’s latest resolution could also be invalidated.

Earlier this year, county officials and ExoticRidge proposed a settlement that would allow the company to develop and operate its facility under strict operating conditions. The proposed agreement would require the mining facility to remain below 80 dBA at the property boundary for all but 30 minutes during any four hour period, addressing local concerns over noise pollution.

Local Concerns Drive the Restrictions

County officials have repeatedly cited quality of life concerns as the primary reason for opposing crypto mining operations. The restrictions target both cryptocurrency mining facilities and large scale data centers, reflecting concerns about issues such as:

• Noise generated by mining equipment.
• Increased truck traffic.
• Land-use impacts.
• Community disruption.

The county has used zoning and operating restrictions rather than financial regulation to limit new crypto related infrastructure.

Tennessee Increases Scrutiny of Crypto Businesses

The Hawkins County decision follows broader state efforts to regulate certain crypto related activities. A Tennessee law signed earlier this year made the installation and operation of cryptocurrency ATMs and kiosks illegal beginning July 1.

State lawmakers said the legislation was introduced after numerous scam cases in which residents, particularly older adults, were persuaded to send money through crypto kiosks to fraudsters.

Implications sur le marché

The Hawkins County vote highlights the growing role local governments play in regulating cryptocurrency infrastructure through land use and zoning policies.

While the measure applies only to unincorporated areas of Hawkins County, it illustrates how municipalities can restrict crypto mining operations over local environmental and community concerns even as broader digital asset regulation continues evolving at the state and federal levels.

Conclusion

Hawkins County has reinforced its opposition to cryptocurrency mining by unanimously approving another ban on crypto mining facilities and data centers in unincorporated areas while continuing to defend its position in court against ExoticRidge.

The decision, alongside Tennessee’s statewide restrictions on crypto ATMs, reflects a broader effort by state and local authorities to increase oversight of certain crypto-related activities, particularly where officials believe they pose risks to residents or local communities.