Memphis Council Delays Vote on Proposed Data Center Moratorium Amid Opposition to SpaceXAI Expansion
The Memphis City Council postponed a vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center construction, delaying a decision until Oct. 20. Residents and community advocates are opposing SpaceXAI's expansion because of pollution concerns, including emissions from nearly 70 natural gas-fired turbines serving its Colossus data center.
The Memphis City Council voted 7-5 to postpone a decision on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center construction. The measure was introduced amid opposition to Elon Musk's SpaceXAI expansion, including a planned facility in Whitehaven and the Colossus operation in South Memphis's historic Boxtown neighborhood. The council is scheduled to revisit the proposal on Oct. 20.
Residents and environmental advocates say SpaceXAI's operations are adding pollution to predominantly Black neighborhoods already burdened by industrial emissions. The company installed nearly 70 natural gas-fired turbines to power Colossus without first obtaining air permits, prompting concerns about potential health effects. The delayed vote led to shouting and confrontations inside and outside the council meeting, while supporters including council member J.B. Smiley and Memphis Community Against Pollution executive director KeShaun Pearson called for immediate action.