Nearly 175 residents spoke against proposed Nashville data centers. Here's what some have to say.
The Nashville Metro Council advanced two bills, one establishing regulations for data center size and another implementing a moratorium on new development. Nearly 175 residents spoke in opposition, raising concerns about power usage, environmental impact, and specific projects near Fisk University and the zoo. Both bills await a final vote.
The Nashville Metro Council has advanced two bills concerning data centers through their second reading. One bill proposes regulations to limit the size of data center projects, while the other introduces a moratorium on new data center development during the rule-making process. At-large council member Delishia Porterfield abstained from the vote on the moratorium bill.
Nearly 175 residents spoke against the proposals. Speakers voiced strong opposition, with one advocating for a complete ban on data centers in Nashville and across Tennessee. Concerns were specifically raised about a proposed data center by the Fisk University administration, with residents highlighting potential exacerbation of historic harm to the neighborhood and excessive power usage. Residents also expressed worry about the data center's impact on the Nashville Zoo and its animals. The bills require one more round of council approval on a third and final reading, which could occur as soon as July 21.