Memphis City Council Delays Vote on Proposed Data Center Moratorium Again
The Memphis City Council again postponed a vote on a proposed 12-month data center moratorium, along with several ordinances regulating the facilities. The 7-5 delay prompted protests, police intervention and a fight, while council members planned further discussions on zoning, energy use, emissions and water-free cooling requirements.
The Memphis City Council voted 7-5 to postpone a third and final vote on a proposed 12-month moratorium on data centers and related regulatory ordinances. Councilman Chase Carlisle said members needed additional time to work through disagreements and planned a special meeting focused on zoning and a broader overhaul of the unified development code with the Shelby County Commission.
The meeting became contentious as supporters of the moratorium protested after the vote, prompting police to clear the chamber; one person was detained and two women fought in the lobby. The debate also focused on a confidential contract between Memphis and xAI, which has developed a data center in Whitehaven. Other proposals under consideration would create a digital infrastructure district, classify facilities by energy use, require zero-emissions technology and mandate water-free cooling systems.