Petition against data center near Nashville Zoo gains 30K signatures in 3 hours
The Nashville Zoo launched an online petition opposing a proposed 69,000-square-foot AI data center by DC BLOX near its facility, quickly gathering over 30,000 signatures. Zoo officials and local residents raise concerns about environmental impact, water and electricity consumption, and potential harm to animals and the community. Concurrently, Nashville lawmakers are debating new regulations to restrict large-scale data center development within the city.
The Nashville Zoo initiated an online petition on June 4, swiftly garnering over 30,000 signatures in three hours, to oppose a proposed 69,220-square-foot AI data center by Georgia-based DC BLOX. The facility is planned for 648 Grassmere Park, directly adjacent to the zoo in South Nashville.
Zoo officials expressed significant concerns on social media regarding the project's potential environmental impact on animals, habitats, and the surrounding community, noting a lack of environmental studies or impact assessments. They highlighted data centers' substantial consumption of electricity and water, which could strain local resources and damage the watershed. DC BLOX stated its commitment to closed-loop or waterless cooling designs, paying for all power and infrastructure, and adhering to noise and environmental requirements, arguing the project would provide essential digital infrastructure and tax contributions.
Local residents echoed the zoo's concerns in petition comments, citing worries about noise and the depletion of natural resources. The proposed Grassmere project has not yet undergone public review by Nashville's council or planning bodies. Meanwhile, Metro Nashville Council Member Rollin Horton has introduced legislation to prohibit hyperscale data centers over 500,000 square feet and mandate additional public review for smaller facilities, citing the rapid growth of the industry outstripping current local regulations.