Memphis City Council Approves 135-Day Data Center Development Pause
Memphis residents gathered at City Hall to support a moratorium on data center development, citing concerns about water, air quality, health and electricity. The City Council rejected an 18-month moratorium but approved an ordinance imposing a 135-day pause on data center development.
Residents from across Memphis gathered outside City Hall on October 20 to urge the Memphis City Council to pause data center development. Speakers raised concerns about drinking water, health, air quality and electricity, while supporters called for time to develop regulations with community input. Councilwoman Janika White backed a pause and further study, citing her experiences growing up near Boxtown and Westwood.
The council rejected the 18-month moratorium sought by residents but approved a substitute version of an ordinance establishing a 135-day pause on data center development. Council members Jeff Warren and Rhonda Logan supported the substitute, while Councilwoman Jerri Green questioned whether members and the public had enough time to review the changes. The meeting also included a separate resolution calling for ICE and the National Guard to leave Memphis.