Memphis protester speaks on data center moratorium vote
Memphis protesters urged the City Council to approve a moratorium on new data center development. Protester Jessica Miller cited concerns about corporate influence, limited job benefits, air and water impacts, community health, and the need for a community benefits agreement.
Protester Jessica Miller said Memphis residents were opposing data center development because they believe corporate and Chamber of Commerce interests are taking priority over public health, safety and financial stability. She questioned whether the approximately 250 jobs associated with a data center would provide sufficient benefit to the community, particularly as Memphis recently lost more jobs than that.
Miller urged the Memphis City Council to pass a moratorium, creating time to establish standards for data centers and assess their effects on air, water and local communities. She also called for a community benefits agreement shaped by residents and said a previous agreement did not adequately address health concerns.