Beacon files federal lawsuit against Hawkins County on behalf of ExoticRidge mining

The Beacon Center of Tennessee has filed a federal lawsuit against Hawkins County on behalf of ExoticRidge Crypto Company LLC, challenging the county’s ban on data centers and cryptocurrency mining. The lawsuit claims the ban is unconstitutional, arbitrary, and violates Tennessee law by singling out these operations without a legitimate connection to public health or safety. ExoticRidge planned to operate a self-sufficient cryptocurrency mining data center powered by surplus ethane gas from an existing facility, eliminating waste and avoiding strain on the local power grid, but was blocked by the county commission.

The complaint highlights several legal flaws in the county’s actions, including a lack of authority, failure to follow proper procedures, functioning as zoning without complying with state statutes, a lack of evidence demonstrating harm, and contradiction of prior commitments. Ben Stormes, attorney at the Beacon Center, stated, “Government cannot simply ban a lawful industry because it is unpopular.”

ExoticRidge had already invested significantly in the project before the ban. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the resolution and ensure property owners can utilize their land for lawful purposes without undue government interference. This represents Beacon’s first legal action in East Tennessee.

(Source：Elizabethton)