Pearson, Taylor differ on data center policy
Candidates Justin Pearson and Brent Taylor for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District are divided on a proposed data center moratorium for Memphis, set to be considered by the City Council on October 6. Pearson supports the moratorium, citing environmental concerns over air and water quality, while Taylor argues it would create a monopoly for xAI and that pollution concerns are exaggerated. Taylor also sponsored a bill requiring data centers to cover energy infrastructure costs.
The two candidates for Tennessee's newly configured 9th Congressional District, Democrat Justin Pearson and Republican Brent Taylor, hold differing views on a proposed data center moratorium currently under consideration by the Memphis City Council. The moratorium is slated for a vote on October 6.
State Representative Pearson advocates for the moratorium, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and regulations to protect Memphis residents from potential pollution impacting air and water quality. He publicly opposed the construction of xAI's Colossus data center and appeared alongside environmental justice activist Erin Brockovich to highlight these concerns.
Conversely, State Senator Taylor asserts that recent Memphis City Council testimony shows no significant air pollution issues related to the xAI area. He warns that a moratorium would inadvertently grant xAI a monopoly by only applying to new data centers and not affecting existing operations. Taylor also highlighted his sponsorship of a bill, which Pearson voted against, that mandates data centers to secure their own energy sources or cover associated infrastructure costs.
xAI's Colossus project did not receive tax breaks from the city or state. Instead, an agreement with Memphis leaders from 2025 stipulates that the company will invest 25% of the tax revenue it generates into communities within five miles of its site. The council's agenda proposes that $3.3 million collected in fiscal year 2026 be allocated to nine different projects, including $1.4 million for home repair assistance and $500,000 for neighborhood cleanup efforts.