Taylor, Pearson Differ On Data Center Policy
Congressional candidates Justin Pearson and Brent Taylor have differing views on a proposed data center moratorium for Memphis, which the City Council is set to vote on. Pearson supports the moratorium, citing environmental and water resource concerns, while Taylor opposes it, arguing it could create a monopoly for existing data centers like xAI.
Democrat Justin Pearson and Republican state Senator Brent Taylor, candidates for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, hold opposing stances on a proposed data center moratorium in Memphis, which the Memphis City Council is scheduled to vote on October 6.
Pearson, a current member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, advocates for the moratorium, citing a need for transparency, accountability, and regulations to protect residents from perceived pollution affecting air quality, water resources, and overall quality of life. He has publicly opposed the construction of xAI's "Colossus" data center in Memphis and appeared with environmental justice activist Erin Brockovich to support his position.
In contrast, Taylor argues against the moratorium, suggesting that testimony from a recent City Council meeting indicated no major air pollution issues in the xAI area. He warns that a moratorium would grant a monopoly to existing data centers, as it would only affect new developments. Taylor also highlighted his sponsorship of a state bill, which Pearson opposed, requiring data centers to secure their own energy sources or cover associated infrastructure costs.
The article notes that xAI's Colossus project in Memphis did not receive city or state tax breaks. Instead, under an agreement reached in 2025, it is investing 25% of its generated tax revenue into communities within a five-mile radius of the site, with $3.3 million proposed for various projects in fiscal year 2026, including home repair assistance and neighborhood cleanup.