Memphis City Council members vote on pausing data center developments
Memphis City Council members passed the first reading of an ordinance to temporarily pause all permit approvals for new data centers. This pause is intended to allow the city time to study the long-term effects of data centers and develop better regulations. While advocates celebrated the vote, the Greater Memphis Chamber expressed concerns about closing the door on the data center industry.
Memphis City Council members have advanced a proposal to temporarily halt new data center developments within the city. The council passed the first reading of an ordinance that would pause all permit approvals for data centers and other large computing facilities, aiming to provide time for the city to study their long-term effects and establish better regulations.
Advocates, including Keyshawn Pearson, co-founder of Memphis Community Against Pollution, expressed excitement about the vote, stating that "the people of Memphis deserve to be protected and cared for." Councilman JB Smiley highlighted the significance of public engagement, noting that residents from across the city participated. Councilwoman Janice Swurge in Washington mentioned there are currently 12 data centers in Memphis, with the largest belonging to Elon Musk's SpaceXAI.
The Greater Memphis Chamber, however, voiced opposition to the moratorium, suggesting that Memphis is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in hosting the data center industry and that negotiation is a better path than closure. The proposal requires two more votes from council members before it can become law.