Data center opposition grows; company addresses concerns
Opposition is growing against a proposed DC BLOX data center near the Nashville Zoo, with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and state Representative Justin Jones voicing concerns. The Nashville Metro Council is set to vote on a proposed data center moratorium in response to the project. DC BLOX has addressed some concerns, stating the facility will use waterless cooling and conduct noise tests.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has joined state Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) and the Nashville Zoo in opposing a proposed 70,000-square-foot data center by Atlanta-based DC BLOX near the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University. Senator Blackburn stated the proposed site is not thoughtful or considerate for data center placement, while Representative Jones echoed concerns about proximity to the historically black university, noting, "If it's not good for a zoo, it's not good for an HCBU."
The Nashville Zoo has launched a petition against the project. DC BLOX, in an email to The Center Square, explained that their proposed facility would use state-of-the-art, closed-loop (waterless) cooling to significantly reduce water usage, and noise tests would ensure sound levels remain at or below current levels. The company also clarified that the site is in an Industrial Warehouse District and is an allowable by-right use, with a previous data center having operated there.
The Nashville Metro Council is scheduled to hold a vote on a proposed data center moratorium, which, if passed, would require a third approval to take effect. The Data Center Coalition, an industry group, warned that moratoriums could deter investment, while emphasizing the industry's commitment to responsible water and electricity use, contributing $10 billion to Tennessee's GDP in 2024.