Nashville invokes eminent domain to block hyperscale data center near city zoo

The Nashville Metropolitan Council has used eminent domain to acquire land that had been designated for a large-scale data center development. The decision was driven by concerns over the facility's potential impact on local aquifers, natural habitat, and its proximity to the Nashville Zoo. Hyperscale data centers typically demand between 50MW and 200MW of power and consume significant volumes of water for cooling, raising environmental red flags for urban sites. The move is legally notable because the proposed development was reportedly compliant with existing zoning rules, marking an unusual use of eminent domain to block rather than enable infrastructure. Experts warn the decision creates regulatory uncertainty that could deter future infrastructure investment across the jurisdiction.