Hawkins County commissioners heard from constituents about their concerns with cryptocurrency and data mining centers moving into their communities. ExoticRidge applied for a construction permit for cryptocurrency mining on September 12. Many residents are opposed and a packed house gathered as data centers continue to pop up in East Tennessee. Hawkins County created a proposal that would ban data centers effective immediately. The ordinance was approved 10-2, commissioners Jason Roach and Chad Britton the only opposing votes.