Daily Digest — June 8, 2026
Nashville Zoo Petition Against Proposed DC BLOX Data Center Surpasses 288,000 Signatures
A proposal to build a 69,220-square-foot DC BLOX data center at 648 Grassmere Park in South Nashville, adjacent to the Nashville Zoo, has generated substantial community opposition. According to WSMV, more than 288,000 people have signed a petition launched by the Nashville Zoo urging protection for animals, habitats, and residents. Country music star Brad Paisley has publicly condemned the project, calling it an "absolute nightmare scenario," as reported by WVLT.
Opponents cite concerns about:
- Insufficient power and water infrastructure at the site
- Environmental and health impacts from air pollution
- The facility's large footprint and visual impact near the zoo
DC BLOX has responded by pledging closed-loop or waterless cooling designs, developer-funded power and infrastructure, noise management to local levels, shielded lighting, and adherence to all federal and local environmental regulations. However, many residents want these commitments codified into legal requirements.
The Metro Council is currently deliberating a bill that would implement substantial restrictions on the siting and operation of data centers within Nashville, according to WSMV.
Fisk University Data Center Plan Draws Backlash From Residents and Alumni
A proposed 30-megawatt data center, part of Fisk University's new billion-dollar master plan in Nashville, is facing opposition from local residents and alumni, according to WKRN News 2. The project includes a 100,000-square-foot technology center on five acres of campus.
University officials have stated the data center will adhere to Nashville Electric Service policies, preventing increased energy costs for neighbors, and will limit water and energy consumption as well as emissions. Critics, including Fisk alumnus Winston Wright, have launched online petitions urging the university to reconsider. Wright stated the project contradicts the institution's legacy of fighting harmful infrastructure in Black communities.
A second petition was organized by a local resident citing concerns about noise pollution and the lack of studies on long-term health impacts of living near data centers, as reported by WKRN. The broader master plan's construction is expected to span the next decade.
Kings Mountain, NC Couple Regrets Land Sale to Data Center Developer; Moratorium Status Unclear
A Kings Mountain, North Carolina couple has publicly expressed regret after selling family land they had owned for over 40 years to Honey Badger Development, a Reno, Nevada-based developer operating through its North Carolina LLC, HB2K. According to WSPA and WANE 15, Roxanne and Tony Wright believed the land would be used for residential housing and stated they would not have sold it had they known it was intended for an AI data center campus.
HB2K has filed a lawsuit against the City of Kings Mountain over utilities for the project. Court documents indicate the property is "fully entitled as an AI data center campus with approved zoning and 150MW-300MW power pathway." Kings Mountain leaders recently enacted a data center moratorium, though a city spokesperson did not clarify whether the moratorium affects HB2K's project. Tony Wright noted no development progress appears to have been made since the 2023 land sale.
Iron County, UT Approves Conditional Use Permit for 640-Acre Antelope Data Campus
The Iron County Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Pronghorn Development LLC's Antelope Data Campus, a proposed data center on 640 acres approximately 8 miles west of Cedar City, according to KSL.com.
The approval came despite local opposition over water and air quality concerns, and while Iron County has an active 180-day moratorium on new AI data center applicants. County planner Brett Hamilton clarified the Antelope Data Campus was not affected by the moratorium. The project envisions five data center buildings developed in phases over an estimated eight to ten years.
Emporia, KS Officials Field Questions on Proposed Gigawatt-Scale Flint Hills Digital Campus
City officials and developer Kanza Park Place are actively addressing public questions following the announcement of the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a proposed gigawatt-scale data center on Emporia, Kansas's west side, as reported by KVOE. Key project details include:
- **Site:** 1,000 acres; potential 10-year build-out
- **Construction start:** Tentatively Q2 2029, pending engineering and design
- **Power:** Cleared Evergy's initial review; entering Analysis of Alternatives phase
- **Water:** Final cooling technology TBD by end-user; options include air-cooled, closed-loop, or combination systems
- **Jobs:** Estimated 300-500 permanent positions, 1,500-2,000 construction jobs over 8-10 years
- **Incentives:** Project will utilize Kansas Senate Bill 98 for potential sales tax exemptions
The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas released a detailed Q&A document addressing resident concerns about noise standards, setback requirements (200-250 feet for main buildings, 300-500 feet for mechanical equipment), and chemical storage, according to KVOE. Public opinion has been largely critical. The Emporia Planning Commission will hold a special meeting and public hearing next week on a proposed zoning overlay for digital infrastructure.
New Hampshire Poll Finds Two-Thirds Oppose Local Data Centers; 45% Support Moratorium
The latest Granite State Poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found that two-thirds of New Hampshire residents would oppose a data center being built in their town, with only about one in five supporting such a project, according to New Hampshire Public Radio.
The survey also found that 45% of residents supported a halt on data center construction, compared to 34% opposed. The New Hampshire Legislature considered a moratorium on data center development this year but did not reach a consensus, as reported by Valley News. Opposition to data centers crossed political lines, with similar proportions of Democrats and Republicans favoring a development pause. Opposition was higher among younger residents, women, and those in the North Country, Seacoast, and Connecticut Valley regions.
The poll also revealed growing pessimism about AI broadly, with nearly two-thirds of respondents anticipating negative impacts on the U.S. over the next decade, even as AI usage among New Hampshire workers rose to 59%.
