Reno City Council extends data center moratorium into 2027
The Reno City Council has extended and finalized a temporary ban on new data center special use permits until August 31, 2027. This decision makes Reno the first city in Nevada to implement such a moratorium, allowing time to develop new regulations for future data center construction. The ban passed 6-1 amidst significant pressure from environmental groups and community members concerned about water, power, and pollution impacts.
The Reno City Council, during a nine-hour special meeting, voted 6-1 to finalize and extend a temporary ban on special use permits for new data centers. The moratorium will last until August 31, 2027, or until new development regulations are established, making Reno the first city in Nevada to implement such a ban. Councilmember Kathleen Taylor was the sole dissenter.
The initial proposal for the moratorium was for a six-month period, but Councilmember Devon Reese moved to extend it, stating that more time was needed for the government to effectively develop comprehensive regulations. The decision was heavily influenced by intense pressure from environmental groups, indigenous water protectors, and community members who voiced concerns about the substantial water and power demands of data centers, as well as potential air, water, and noise pollution.
While construction union leaders expressed opposition to a blanket moratorium, citing job creation benefits, their comments were outnumbered by those advocating for the pause. During the ban, the city plans to develop new regulations to address sustainability-related subjects and local impacts of future data centers. Councilmember Reese emphasized that the moratorium would not be lifted until these regulations are in place.