Blackburn promotes coal, nuclear while Green vows to protect rivers, forest and farmland
Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn and Jerri Green have sharply different positions on energy and data center growth. Green proposes a statewide moratorium on new data centers and stronger environmental requirements, while Blackburn supports expanding nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers.
The two leading candidates for Tennessee governor are presenting contrasting approaches to energy and environmental policy. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn supports expanding nuclear power, including Tennessee Valley Authority small modular reactor projects in Oak Ridge, and has backed additional nuclear capacity to supply artificial intelligence, data centers and advanced manufacturing. She also supports continued fossil fuel use.
Democratic nominee Jerri Green, a Memphis lawyer and city council member, has proposed a statewide moratorium on new data centers to prevent pollution from unpermitted power plants. She also supports requiring data centers to use recycled water, enforcing clean-air and clean-water rules, investing in renewable energy and holding utilities accountable for demand growth. Green recently voted unsuccessfully to delay a Memphis vote on a proposed 12-month moratorium, which city lawmakers are expected to revisit Oct. 20.