Reno City Council discusses controversial data centers

The Reno City Council is actively reviewing and developing new policies concerning data center development within the city, a topic deemed controversial nationwide. Senior Planner Lauren Knox from Development Services confirmed the Council's vote to initiate a text amendment to their Annexation and Land Development code, Title 18, to analyze and formulate specific policies for data center uses. Councilmember Devon Reese also proposed a moratorium, suggesting a temporary halt on data center approvals to allow for a thorough review of their societal and environmental impacts. The Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting in the coming months to continue discussions on these matters. Community advocates and local residents have voiced significant opposition, highlighting concerns over potential high water consumption, increased energy demands, noise pollution, and the broader strain on local infrastructure. Cullen McGinnis, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, emphasized these environmental concerns during a protest at City Plaza. McGinnis cited national examples of communities experiencing skyrocketing electricity bills and water contamination due to data center proliferation, noting that the CEO of NV Energy has reportedly indicated a need to quadruple the electrical grid's capacity in Northern Nevada in the near future.