More than 288,000 people sign Nashville Zoo petition against data center proposal
Over 288,000 people have signed a petition by the Nashville Zoo against a proposed DC BLOX data center near its facility, citing environmental and health concerns. Country music star Brad Paisley has also joined the opposition, while DC BLOX has responded by outlining its plans for water conservation, noise management, and environmental adherence. The Metro Council is currently considering a bill to impose heavy restrictions on data center development and operation in Nashville.
A proposal to build a 69,220-square-foot DC BLOX data center at 648 Grassmere Park in South Nashville, adjacent to the Nashville Zoo, has sparked significant community backlash. The Nashville Zoo launched a petition urging protection for animals, habitats, and residents, which has garnered over 288,000 signatures. Country music star Brad Paisley has publicly condemned the project as an "absolute nightmare scenario," encouraging his fans to oppose it.
Local influencer and health advocate Ali Moresco voiced concerns about potential health impacts from air pollution, drawing parallels to other data center developments and emphasizing the cumulative, evergreen nature of such pollution. She advocated for responsible data center construction and stronger regulatory oversight to protect human and animal health.
In response to the growing opposition, DC BLOX stated its commitment to addressing community concerns. The company pledged to use closed-loop or waterless cooling designs, pay for all power and necessary infrastructure, manage noise to local levels, shield light fixtures, and adhere to all federal and local environmental regulations. Despite these assurances, many residents desire these promises to be codified into legal requirements.
The Metro Council is currently deliberating a bill that would implement substantial restrictions on the siting and operation of data centers within Nashville, reflecting broader community anxieties about the rapid expansion of these facilities.