More than 227,000 sign petition opposing data center next to zoo in Nashville
More than 227,000 people have signed a petition opposing a proposed DC BLOX data center next to the Nashville Zoo in Tennessee. Residents and the zoo are concerned about the environmental impact, noise, power demands, and water use on the animals and local resources. Nashville's mayor also expressed concerns, and city lawyers are now reviewing the project.
Growing opposition has emerged in Nashville, Tennessee, against a proposed DC BLOX data center slated for construction next to the Nashville Zoo. The facility, described as larger than a football field, would be the state's 23rd data center and has sparked significant public backlash. Residents, along with the zoo, are voicing concerns over the potential environmental impact, including noise, substantial power demands, and water usage, particularly regarding its effect on the animals living nearby.
The Nashville Zoo's CEO highlighted the critical nature of electricity for their animal life support systems, noting that a power loss would be a significant issue. Over 227,000 people have signed a petition organized by the zoo, opposing the project. While DC BLOX has stated to news outlets that the facility will not burden local resources and will establish its own power infrastructure to meet environmental requirements, community concerns persist.
Nashville's Mayor today acknowledged having "real concerns" about the project, confirming that city lawyers are currently investigating the matter. This local opposition is part of a broader trend across the country, as communities increasingly push back against the rapid expansion of AI data centers due to similar environmental and resource concerns.