TN candidates for governor explain how they’d handle data centers if elected
Four Tennessee gubernatorial candidates outlined competing approaches to regulating the state’s operational and proposed data centers. Their proposals included a statewide moratorium or temporary pause, stronger local authority, and protections against higher electricity and water-related utility costs for residents.
Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Lauren Pinkston, David Hatley, Marsha Blackburn and Jerri Green described differing approaches to the state’s growing data center industry, which includes about 60 operational facilities and 15 to 20 proposed projects. Candidates raised concerns that residents and working-class households could be left paying for infrastructure needed to support new development.
The proposals included a statewide moratorium or temporary pause while state rules are developed, giving local communities greater authority to approve or reject projects, and creating ratepayer protections so data centers do not drive up residential electricity, water or utility costs. One candidate also argued that large data center customers should pay higher utility rates because of their consumption.