Reno City Council Approves Temporary Data Center Moratorium

Reno City Council has enacted a temporary, 30-day moratorium on new data center approvals, marking a significant victory for local opponents concerned about the environmental and energy impacts of such developments. This decision, approved on Thursday, is slated for a follow-up vote on June 1 to determine a longer duration for the pause. While the moratorium garnered support from several council members, including its proponent, Councilmember Devon Reese, there are ongoing divisions regarding the next regulatory steps. Mayor Hillary Schieve and Councilmember Reese advocate for a unified regional approach, collaborating with the City of Sparks and Washoe County to establish consistent regulations. In contrast, Councilmember Meghan Ebert and termed-out Councilmember Naomi Duerr argue for Reno to proceed independently, emphasizing the need to embed clear requirements directly into city code without waiting for broader regional consensus. Advocacy groups like the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, led by Olivia Tanager, have stressed that the moratorium's effectiveness hinges on the adoption of robust regulations. The Sierra Club proposes measures such as requiring data center companies to bear all infrastructure costs, pay environmental impact fees, and contribute to a "community resilience fund." The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project also supports greater transparency in water and energy usage. The political landscape further complicates the issue, as several council members who supported the moratorium are either up for re-election or termed out, potentially altering the council's dynamics. The timing of Councilmember Reese's moratorium proposal has drawn skepticism from some colleagues, who suggest it may be politically motivated ahead of primary elections, a claim Reese denies, asserting his position evolved with new information. While regional planning recommendations are anticipated, their ultimate adoption across all localities remains uncertain.