Protesters rally at Blackburn-Lowe event, oppose Project River and Midspan data centers
Bradley County residents protested outside a political event in Cleveland, Tennessee, to oppose the proposed Project River and Project Midspan data centers. Protesters said they want more information about the projects' potential impacts before development proceeds, while officials emphasized that decisions should be made locally.
Residents of Bradley County gathered outside a campaign event featuring U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Tennessee gubernatorial candidate Adam Lowe to protest proposed data centers known as Project River and Project Midspan. Organizer Isaiah Bayless said the demonstration was intended to show that opposition extends beyond online discussions and includes nearby communities.
Former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said he understood residents' concerns and argued that the projects should be addressed at the local level. Blackburn likewise said data center decisions are primarily local, while protesters called for greater information about potential impacts before either project moves forward.