Data center regulations pass on 1st reading in city council
The Memphis City Council approved two data center regulatory ordinances on first reading that would amend the city's zoning code, but the measures still require two additional readings. The council postponed consideration of a proposed temporary moratorium on new data centers until Oct. 20 amid significant community opposition and heightened meeting security.
The Memphis City Council advanced two ordinances regulating data centers on first reading Thursday. The proposals would amend the city's zoning code, though council materials provided few details, and the measures must pass two more readings before taking effect.
The council did not vote on a proposed temporary moratorium covering new data centers, instead moving consideration to Oct. 20. The delay followed a heated meeting attended by nearly 200 activists and residents. Activist Amber Sherman said organizers had spent nearly a year building support for the moratorium, while Councilman Chase Carlisle criticized the earlier meeting's atmosphere as intimidating and said Thursday's meeting was conducted with a smaller crowd, additional security and reminders about decorum. State Rep. Justin Pearson also said he had been barred from council meetings and questioned the decision.