Nashville Mayor Issues Executive Order for Data Center Moratorium
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell signed an executive order to temporarily halt new large-scale data center development. This action comes amidst public concern regarding potential negative impacts on neighborhoods, the environment, and utilities like electricity and water. Metro departments are directed to study these impacts and propose new regulations within two months.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell signed Executive Order 59 on Monday, mandating a temporary halt on new large-scale data center developments within Nashville. The executive order directs various Metro departments, including Planning, Health, Water Services, Transportation, and Nashville Electric Service, to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential impacts of these facilities. This initiative responds to increasing public concern over data center growth in Middle Tennessee, including specific projects near the Nashville Zoo by DC BLOX and another associated with Fisk University.
Mayor O'Connell emphasized that the city would not permit large-scale data centers that negatively affect neighborhoods, the environment, or residents. The order defines a large-scale data center as a facility over 20,000 square feet, with an expected electrical demand of 5 megawatts or more, or one deemed to have substantial utility, infrastructure, environmental, or land-use impacts.
The study will examine areas such as electrical demand and grid capacity, water consumption, wastewater and stormwater systems, transportation, air quality, noise, public health, and economic effects. Departments are required to submit their findings and policy recommendations, which may include new regulations, permitting requirements, and performance standards, to the Metro Council within two months. The mayor stated the goal is to fully comprehend the cumulative effects of such developments before approving additional facilities, prioritizing residents' health and safety.