Reno council advances data center regulations, possible moratorium vote at future meeting

The Reno City Council has unanimously approved a motion to proceed with developing new regulations for data centers. The decision follows extensive public comment from advocates and environmentalists who expressed concerns about the energy and water consumption of these facilities. Councilmember Devon Reese, who previously opposed a moratorium, requested that city staff prepare a vote on a possible moratorium for new data center approvals, citing insufficient water, land, and energy resources. This shift in position led to criticism from fellow councilmember Meghan Ebert, who accused Reese of "virtue signaling. While three data centers are currently under construction or operational in Reno, over 40 have been approved across northern Nevada. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority presented data indicating that some data centers, such as Oppidan's North Valleys facility, use less water annually than certain residential developments, though large data centers can still consume millions of gallons daily. Residents like Jodi Shaw rallied outside city hall, demanding more oversight and a moratorium, emphasizing that Nevada is a desert state. The proposed regulations will cover definitions, location, design, noise, water use, power generation, and environmental considerations, with the City Council retaining final authority. A date for the special meeting on the moratorium has not yet been set.