Hawkins County commissioners ban cryptocurrency mines

HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — A full house as residents gather to see what will come of cryptocurrency in Hawkins County.

Hawkins County created a proposal that would ban data centers effective immediately. This comes as data centers make appearances throughout East Tennessee.

ExoticRidge applied for a construction permit for cryptocurrency mining on September 12. Some residents raising concerns for many reasons including what they say are loud noises, health risks and negative effects on livestock.

“All of us in here that are farmers aren’t beef farmers, we’re dairy farmers,” one speaker said. “Noise affects milk production which affects our cost of weight gain.”

As commissioners discussed the resolution, tensions rose. At one point, Mayor Mark DeWitte, having to threaten kicking out residents if they did not stop interrupting or booing.

Finally, the time came to vote. The ordinance was approved 10-2, commissioners Jason Roach and Chad Britton opposing.

“They heard the citizens of Bulls Gap, that’s what they’re elected for,” DeWitte said.

ExoticRidge CEO, Will Daugherty, says the ordinance was discriminatory. He hopes to continue communication with commissioners and hopes to change their mind.

“I’d love the opportunity to talk to the Hawkins County commissioners and see if we can reform this resolution or a future resolution to allow for bitcoin mining in the county,” Daugherty said.