Hawkins County Commission considers national environmental law center for lawsuit
“The County Commission’s main priority is the health, safety an convenience of the citizens,” Commissioner Robbie Palmer said.
At Monday’s meeting, Palmer said he worked closely with attorney Crystal Jesse to find someone who can help fight the lawsuit.
That’s when they found Southern Environmental Law Center.
“Sometimes you want to swat a gnat with a hammer, well ladies and gentlemen we’re giving you a sledgehammer,” Jesse said.
SELC is a nonprofit public interest law firm. Director of Tennessee Office, George Nolan, addressed the commission saying they want to defend Hawkins County for free.
“Protecting our pristine environment is very, very important, it’s a worthy cause,” Nolan said.
The commission says they are concerned about potential health and environmental issues should a cryptocurrency mine be opened.
“There’s a lot we don’t know about the health effects of data centers and cryptocurrency mining, there’s plenty of information about the negative effects,” Palmer said.
The County Commission will review a pro bono contract and make a resolution about recruiting the company at their next regular meeting.
“It’s what the citizens want us to do, they don’t want us to go down without a fight, so to speak,” County Mayor Mark DeWitte said.
ExoticRidge is being represented by Beacon Center of Tennessee.
The company wants the ban to be ruled unlawful, the ability to run a cryptocurrency mine and compensatory damages, along with other items. You can read the full lawsuit here.
News 5 reached out to Beacon Center of Tennessee and haven’t received a response as of Monday evening.
