What’s the purpose of a 135-day moratorium on data centers?
The Memphis City Council approved a 135-day moratorium on data centers to give the city time to develop legally defensible zoning and other regulations. The measure followed contentious public meetings and continued opposition from community members seeking stronger restrictions.
The Memphis City Council approved a 135-day moratorium on data center development after a contentious meeting attended by supporters and opponents of the proposal. The moratorium replaces an initially proposed one-year pause and is intended to give the city time to evaluate zoning and other regulatory issues.
Council member Dr. Jeff Warren said the shorter ordinance was designed to address legal concerns and help the city develop rules that could withstand a potential lawsuit from data center companies. The action will work alongside Mayor Paul Young's 90-day executive order directing a study and recommendations on data center safeguards. State Rep. Justin J. Pearson said community organizers would continue pushing for stronger action.