Temporary moratorium on new data centers in Nashville passes first hurdle

Nashville's Metro Council has taken an initial step towards enacting a temporary moratorium on data center developments across Davidson County. The ordinance passed its first of three readings with a 26-1 vote, aiming to halt the acceptance, processing, approval, and issuance of zoning, building, or grading permits for new data centers.

The measure comes amidst significant community opposition to two proposed data center projects: one adjacent to the Nashville Zoo and another at Fisk University. Council member Delishia Porterfield, the lone dissenting vote, expressed concerns about potential legal challenges due to the moratorium's broad definition of "data centers" and the existence of a similar bill already in progress. She cited a $100 million lawsuit faced by a developer in Hill County, Texas, after a moratorium was rescinded there.

The Nashville Zoo's head veterinarian, Dr. Heather Schwartz, spoke in strong support of the moratorium, highlighting the severe disruption a data center would cause to the health and welfare of fragile species housed in nearby breeding and propagation centers. She detailed concerns about constant mechanical noise, vibrations, bright lights, and 24/7 generator operation. Over 360,000 people have signed a petition against the data center proposed next to the zoo.

Documents show that DC Blox plans for a two-building facility near the zoo, including a 69,000 sq. ft. data center and a larger three-story, 202,000 sq. ft. facility with significant power infrastructure. Zoo leaders have already filed a zoning appeal to overturn existing permits and prevent further approvals for the DC Blox project.