Reno City Council approves 30 day moratorium on construction permits for data centers

The Reno City Council voted six to one to enact a 30-day moratorium on conditional use permits for data center construction following an eight-hour special meeting on May 14. Council member Kathleen Taylor was the sole vote against the pause. This temporary measure is the first step in a two-part process, with a subsequent meeting on June 1st slated to establish the duration of a permanent moratorium and to review potential guidelines and regulations for future data center projects.

The meeting drew dozens of residents, filling the council chambers to capacity, many of whom had previously rallied at the Believe sign near the Truckee River. Speakers such as Josh Dini of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, representing the Water over Data Alliance and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, emphasized environmental concerns. Dini highlighted the potential impact on the watershed and wildlife, citing the historical loss of native fish due to pollution and stressing that Nevada is the driest state and Reno the fastest-warming city in the U.S. Community members voiced concerns over data centers' high water and energy demands, as well as potential noise, light, and air pollution.

While most comments supported the moratorium, some, like Jacob Haas of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 401, opposed a blanket ban. Haas argued that data centers provide over 4,000 jobs in Northern Nevada and offer sustainable, continuous work due to the need for retrofitting and technology upgrades. He acknowledged the criticism that data centers often create few long-term operational jobs, but emphasized the ongoing construction and maintenance work.

Following the vote, community member Bree Kasper thanked the city council for addressing public concerns. The decision to implement the initial moratorium signals a shift in the city's approach to data center development, with future regulatory frameworks expected.