Reno City Council takes first step toward changing data center development rules

The Reno City Council held a packed meeting on Earth Day, April 22, where community members and environmental organizations voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of data centers in Reno and Northern Nevada. Over 150 public comments were submitted, predominantly highlighting concerns about data centers' immense water and power consumption, as well as potential noise, water, and air pollution. Residents, including Tara de Queiroz, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding projects like the Centra data center near her neighborhood, urging the city to consider a permanent ban. De Queiroz stressed that Reno, as one of the fastest-warming cities in the driest state, cannot afford to compromise its quality of life for tech companies. Environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter and the Water over Data Alliance, joined residents in advocating for a moratorium on new data center construction. They argue that a pause is necessary until stricter regulations are established. In response to the public outcry, the Reno City Council unanimously passed agenda item C1, initiating the process of updating development and use regulations for data centers. The council has also committed to considering a moratorium on new data center development at a future meeting.