Shelby County Commission advances data center moratorium; regulatory ordinance in works

The Shelby County Commission advanced a proposed 12-month pause on new data center construction in unincorporated Shelby County, sending the measure to a second reading after a 5-4 vote. The proposal was introduced by Commissioner Henri Brooks, while Commissioner Amber Huett-Garcia said the county is also developing a broader regulatory ordinance that would address electricity demand, noise, water use and closed-loop cooling systems.

The proposed regulations could eventually replace the moratorium and align with rules under consideration by the Memphis City Council. Commissioners debated whether a temporary ban could discourage investment, while supporters said uniform safeguards are needed before development begins. County officials also noted that most potentially available land is protected agricultural property and that much of the remaining land lacks adequate transmission and water infrastructure. A county health report found that the xAI data center in South Memphis was not among Shelby County's 25 largest polluters.