City of Cleveland is one step closer to passing a short term data center moratorium
Cleveland City Council's Utilities Committee unanimously passed a three-month moratorium on new data centers, sending the legislation to the full council for a vote. The moratorium aims to provide time for the city to revise its zoning codes, which currently lack specific definitions for data centers. The discussion involved arguments from both proponents, who highlighted economic benefits and national security, and opponents, who raised concerns about environmental impacts, strain on the electrical grid, noise, and water usage.
Cleveland City Council is poised to vote on a three-month moratorium for new data center construction after its Utilities Committee unanimously approved the legislation. Councilmember Charles Slife emphasized the necessity of the moratorium to allow the city to update its zoning codes, which currently do not adequately distinguish between various types of server facilities.
During the committee meeting, arguments were heard from both sides. Mike Bremmer, Business Representative for Local 38 IBEW, opposed the moratorium, advocating for data centers as crucial for national security, the internet, and technological advancements, suggesting Cleveland could become a tech hub. Conversely, Molly Bryden, a researcher at Policy Matters Ohio, supported the moratorium, citing environmental and health concerns, including potential negative health outcomes for nearby residents, strain on the electrical grid, noise pollution, and significant water consumption by hyperscale data centers. Despite Ohio being a data center hub, Cleveland currently has no hyperscale facilities.