Hawkins County Crypto Ban Sparks New Lawsuit from ExoticRidge

ExoticRidge Crypto Company LLC has filed another complaint against Hawkins County in Tennessee, expanding its claims that the county's ban on data centers is unconstitutional. The company first sued the county in March 2026 after commissioners passed a resolution banning data centers and cryptocurrency mines in July 2025.

The original lawsuit argued that the county's actions violated Tennessee state law, but now ExoticRidge has added new claims. According to the supplemental complaint filed on September 11, Hawkins County had previously declared itself a 'constitutional sanctuary' in 2023, promising not to enact certain regulations related to public well-being.

However, after ExoticRidge filed its initial lawsuit, the county allegedly revoked its 'constitutional sanctuary' status. The company claims that it should have been grandfathered in under state law and allowed to continue operating in Hawkins County.