Thousands Back Zoo’s Petition to Block AI Data Center—’Irreversible Damage’

Thousands of people have signed a Change.org petition, initiated by the Nashville Zoo, to oppose the construction of a proposed DC Blox data center next to its property in South Nashville. As of Thursday, the petition had garnered nearly 37,000 signatures, urging city leaders, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, to reject the plans.

The zoo's spokesperson, Leah Trice, expressed significant concerns about potential negative environmental and public health impacts. These include the data center's enormous electricity and water consumption, which could strain power grids and deplete natural resources, alongside noise from generators and light pollution affecting animal behavior and disrupting their natural rhythms. The proximity to sensitive animal habitats, such as those of clouded leopards, is particularly alarming to zoo officials.

DC Blox, a Georgia-based developer, has applied for a city permit to build a 69,000-square-foot facility, with potential for expansion. While petition backers call for city leaders to intervene, District 5 Councilmember Sean Parker noted that the Metro Council might not have an opportunity to vote on the permit, stating he is not in favor of the project based on current information. Developer DC Blox argues the facility would provide crucial digital infrastructure and economic benefits for Nashville, committing to waterless cooling designs, paying for all power and new energy infrastructure, and adhering to noise and environmental requirements. However, opponents remain unconvinced, demanding independent environmental assessments.