Rollin Horton

Nashville's Metro Council approved new zoning rules and a temporary permit freeze for data centers, including restrictions near sensitive locations like the Nashville Zoo. The changes may not apply to DC BLOX's proposed data center due to legal uncertainties, as the company already submitted permits before the rules took effect.

Nashville’s city council is finalizing legislation to regulate data centers, but a key environmental safeguard allowing unlimited on-site fossil fuel use during undefined 'emergencies' was removed. Councilperson Rollin Horton criticized the amendment, which permits data centers to use gas turbines or diesel generators, while Councilperson Clay Capp proposed a counter-amendment to restrict fossil fuel use and incentivize renewable energy.

Data center developer DC BLOX is facing scrutiny over shifting plans for a Nashville facility near the zoo, with concerns about electricity costs, environmental impacts, and transparency. The company initially agreed to 15 MW for the first building but disclosed a potential 100 MW expansion over eight years, prompting criticism from officials and calls for new regulations.

Residents of Nashville's The Nations neighborhood are advocating for protections of a 14-year-old mural ahead of a Metro Council vote on a redevelopment project. The proposed project would demolish the existing building housing the mural, but Councilmember Rollin Horton has introduced an amendment to preserve and repurpose it. Residents also oppose the scale of the redevelopment, arguing the new buildings would disrupt the neighborhood's character.

Nashville officials are attempting to block DC BLOX's $700 million data center near the Nashville Zoo through new legislation and eminent domain efforts, but the company may proceed using the vested rights doctrine. The Metro Council is advancing zoning and regulatory measures, while DC BLOX claims environmental commitments it disputes with the mayor.

Nashville's Metro Council will use a free, ticketed queuing system for public hearings on two data center bills at a July 7 meeting. The system aims to manage increased attendance as the council considers restrictions on data center construction, including a proposed ban on large facilities and a temporary moratorium. The legislation is linked to efforts to block a DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo.

A proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo faces regulatory challenges as two zoning-related bills advance to a public hearing. DC BLOX claims it holds permits to proceed, but opponents argue the permits are unapproved and the project would strain local resources. The Nashville Zoo and Councilmember Rollin Horton oppose the facility, citing concerns about noise, water use, and power grid impacts.

The Nashville Metro Planning Commission recommended two data center bills, one establishing zoning rules and another imposing a moratorium on new permits until regulations are set. The bills face community opposition, particularly regarding proposed data centers near the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University, and will undergo further council review in July.

Metro Council in Nashville is considering two proposals to stop a proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. Council Member Rollin Horton's zoning bill would restrict data center size, location, and operations, while Council Member Courtney Johnston's moratorium would pause all data center construction until new regulations are passed. The project by Atlanta-based DC Blox faces legal delays and potential regulatory changes.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell supports a temporary moratorium on large data centers while legislation is developed, aligning with Councilmember Courtney Johnston’s proposal. Two council bills—one for a moratorium and another for permanent zoning—remain pending. Activists criticize the mayor’s executive order as insufficient, arguing it lacks enforceable measures.

Nashville residents demanded new data center regulations at a historic turnout meeting, citing concerns over health impacts, environmental damage, and community disruption. DC Blox plans to build a facility near the Nashville Zoo, prompting opposition from educators, physicians, and residents like Wilder, a 10-year-old who highlighted noise pollution effects on animals and children. The proposed legislation by Rollin Horton would limit data center operations and proximity to sensitive areas.