‘Tensions were high:’ Memphis City Council members reflect on Tuesday’s ended meeting, data center moratorium vote postponed again
The Memphis City Council postponed a vote on a proposed data center moratorium after a heated meeting ended early amid chants, arguments and a fight in City Hall. Council members will resume the meeting Thursday and consider ordinances that would halt new data centers and expansions of existing facilities.
The Memphis City Council ended its Tuesday meeting before completing debate on several data center-related ordinances, including a proposed moratorium. The meeting was disrupted by chanting from more than 200 people, heated exchanges among council members and protesters, and a fight in the City Hall lobby. Councilman Chase Carlisle planned a press conference before Thursday’s scheduled planning session and continuation of the meeting.
Councilwoman Janika White said members needed a working session to review the different proposals, while Councilman JB Smiley argued the moratorium had already been under consideration for six weeks and that the council should act. White said the proposed measure would stop new data centers and expansions of existing facilities, rather than resolve every concern or eliminate all data centers. Council members were expected to resume debate Thursday.