Interim top doc calls for Shelby County, Memphis council talks over data centers
Shelby County health officials are urging county commissioners to join Memphis officials in developing zoning rules for data centers, including SpaceXAI's Colossus facility in South Memphis. Commissioners also approved updates to the county air code and permit-fee system to support pollution monitoring and enforcement.
Interim Shelby County Health Director Bruce Randolph urged county commissioners to participate in Memphis City Council discussions on a proposed zoning ordinance for data centers. The rules would cover facilities such as SpaceXAI's Colossus data center in South Memphis, which county officials identified as a significant industrial polluter.
Randolph said county involvement is necessary because Memphis lies within Shelby County and the county health department oversees air-quality issues. Commissioners approved a 9-0 amendment updating the Shelby County Air Code, revising appeals procedures and supporting permit fees used to fund local pollution monitoring. The health department also proposed an environmental justice position to represent residents' interests.