What are Tennessee’s gubernatorial candidates saying about data centers?
Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Jerri Green and Marsha Blackburn offered differing views on how data center development should be regulated. Green supports stronger state standards and a statewide moratorium, while Blackburn favors local control and responsible development; Green also backs a pending 12-month moratorium in Memphis.
Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Jerri Green and Marsha Blackburn described contrasting approaches to data center development in responses to a Main Street Media survey. Green, a Democratic nominee and Memphis City Council member, said local communities should have a strong voice but argued the state should establish energy and environmental standards. She has cosponsored a 12-month Memphis moratorium and said she would advocate for a statewide moratorium and an end to state incentives for data centers if elected.
Republican nominee Marsha Blackburn said communities should decide whether data centers are appropriate, while supporting protections against higher electricity costs and urging careful project placement. She previously commented on opposition to the proposed DC BLOX facility near the Nashville Zoo, saying data centers could contribute to Tennessee's economy but should be located responsibly. Independent candidate David Hatley had not responded by publication time.