Sen. Blackburn takes issue with data center planned near Nashville Zoo
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U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn joined the ranks of elected officials questioning a company's plans for a data center near the Nashville Zoo.
Why it matters: Blackburn's comments over the weekend demonstrate the bipartisan opposition to DC Blox's plans for a large data center complex.
Between the lines: Blackburn is a pro-Trump Republican and the leading candidate for governor.
- The project has also received opposition from Councilmember Courtney Johnston, a Republican, who represents the area, and an array of Democrats on the council.
What she's saying: "Data centers are going to be a good and important part of Tennessee's economic growth," Blackburn said. "But we've got to be thoughtful about their placement. We've got to look at this placement of a data center up against the Nashville Zoo, which is a very important educational resource for our children, and it's also an important economic engine."
- Blackburn said many communities want data centers, and said the placement near the zoo should be revisited.
Flashback: In a social media video, Blackburn points out she was a board member for the zoo when it was getting started.
Friction point: Since Blackburn has a good chance to be the state's next governor who will shape Tennessee's policy on data centers, her questioning of the project could give DC Blox pause.
State of play: Johnston and an attorney for the zoo filed separate zoning appeals seeking to stop the project.
- Council is considering a moratorium on data centers, and Councilmember Rollin Horton proposed a policy that would ban the largest projects and implement guidelines for other proposals.