The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Hawkins County
Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies
Hawkins County has enacted a ban on building, expanding, or operating data centers, with no variance or permit process described.
current law · County measureProhibits all data centers and cryptocurrency-mining operations in Hawkins County, after the County Commission adopted the resolution on September 22, 2025, by a 10–2 vote, citing electricity use, continuous industrial noise, and environmental and infrastructure burdens.Hawkins County Commission Resolution Prohibiting Cryptocurrency Mining and Data Center Facilities (2025)
What this means
The measure categorically bans all data centers in Hawkins County, so building, expanding, or operating one there would be prohibited. The complaint says the ban has no variance or permit process, making this an outright ban rather than a manageable set of conditions.
People behind it
- Robbie Palmer
Hawkins County commissioner who drafted and sent the proposed resolution banning data centers and cryptocurrency mining and introduced it for consideration.
- Hawkins County Commission
County legislative body that considered and adopted the resolution banning data centers and cryptocurrency mining and continues to administer the ban.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Categorically prohibits the construction, expansion, and operation of all data centers and cryptocurrency-mining facilities in Hawkins County.
The prohibition takes effect immediately and provides no exceptions, variances, special-use permits, or administrative review process.
Sources
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