Nashville Zoo creates petition to prevent data center from being built near property
The Nashville Zoo is vehemently opposing a proposed AI data center near its property and has launched an online petition. Concurrently, the Nashville Metro Council is considering new zoning restrictions for data centers, with a proposal having passed its first reading. Separately, leaders in McMinnville, Tennessee, have enacted an 18-month moratorium on data center construction to conduct environmental impact studies.
The Nashville Zoo is actively campaigning to prevent a proposed AI data center from being built near its facilities. The zoo has initiated a petition on Change.org, which has garnered thousands of signatures, stating its vehement opposition to the data center, citing a top priority to protect its animals and the environment.
Neighbors have also voiced concerns regarding potential pollution, and the significant water and power consumption associated with the proposed data center. This opposition comes as another data center proposal is also being considered for construction at Fisk University, adding to the 27 existing data centers in the Nashville area.
In response to the growing number of data centers and a lack of clear regulations on their placement, the Nashville Metro Council is working to establish new zoning restrictions. A proposal aimed at preventing data centers from being built near homes, schools, and parks passed its first reading on Tuesday night.
Separately, leaders in McMinnville, Tennessee, recently passed an 18-month moratorium on data center and similar facility construction. This temporary halt is intended to allow for various environmental impact studies to be conducted during that period.