Memphis City Council to vote on proposed data center moratorium
The Memphis City Council is scheduled for a final vote on a proposed 12-month moratorium on large-scale data center development. The pause aims to allow time to study the impact of data centers on the power grid, water supplies, and communities. Competing proposals suggest establishing permanent zoning guidelines and strict environmental regulations instead of a full halt.
The Memphis City Council is set to hold a critical third and final vote on Tuesday regarding a proposed 12-month temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center developments. If enacted, the measure would halt the processing and approval of zoning and building permits for data centers across the city for one year.
Councilman J.B. Smiley Jr., a lead sponsor of the moratorium, emphasizes the need for a study group involving community members, technical experts, MLGW, and planning and zoning officials. This study would assess the intensive demands these facilities place on MLGW's power grid, local water supplies, and neighboring communities, ensuring a more informed planning process.
However, alternative proposals have emerged. Councilman Philip Spinosa introduced a resolution urging the city to implement permanent zoning guidelines and clean energy expectations without halting current development. Another proposal on the agenda seeks to embed strict environmental regulations into city code, including limits on local water withdrawals and mandates for phasing out carbon-based energy sources.
Residents and stakeholders on both sides of the issue are expected to attend the Memphis City Council meeting at 4 p.m. as members cast their votes on these pivotal proposals affecting the future of data center growth in the city.