Activists celebrate progress of Memphis’ data center regulation efforts on 901 Day
The Memphis City Council unanimously voted in its second reading for an ordinance that proposes a one-year pause on data center development in the city. Activists celebrated this progress, citing environmental justice concerns related to the large SpaceXAI data center already operating in Memphis.
The Memphis City Council unanimously advanced an ordinance during its second reading that would implement a one-year moratorium on data center development within the city. The vote, which occurred on '901 Day' celebrating Memphis, was met with celebration by local activists who have been advocating for stricter data center regulations for two years.
Kermit Moore, president of the NAACP Memphis Branch, highlighted Memphis's history of activism, drawing parallels to past civil rights struggles and current local issues. Dr. Kimberly Owens Pearson, a Boxtown resident, expressed frustration at the ongoing need to fight for basic environmental rights.
Activists specifically cited concerns about environmental injustice, pointing to the substantial SpaceXAI data center in Memphis as a source of pollution in already burdened areas of the city.