Connecting the dots as data centers come to town

Hyperscale data centers are being scrutinized like never before. Even mid-size facilities are receiving fierce pushback, as seen with the data center planned near the Nashville Zoo. But according to analysis by the Pew Research Center, the future of data centers lies in more rural areas, which is why the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom has been checking in with communities in the region that have gotten big data centers — as well as those who are preparing for their arrival. In this episode, we get updates from Gallatin, Memphis, West Virginia and central Kentucky and hear about the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy's call for an 18-month moratorium.

This episode was produced by John Boyle and Blake Farmer.

Guests:

Lisa Autry, reporter, WKYU Bowling Green

Caroline Eggers, environmental reporter, WPLN News

Stephen Smith, executive director, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy