Sen. Blackburn takes issue with data center planned near Nashville Zoo

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.