Mayor Paul Young Signs Order for 90-Day Data Center Study
Memphis Mayor Paul Young signed an executive order creating a 90-day study of data center regulations, including potential protections for neighborhoods, air quality, water resources, energy costs, infrastructure and noise. The Memphis City Council is also considering data center ordinances, including a possible moratorium, but delayed votes on several proposals to allow more review.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young issued an executive order establishing a 90-day review of data center regulations and directing experts to recommend potential safeguards for neighborhoods, air and water quality, infrastructure, energy costs and noise. The study group will submit a report to Young, present its findings publicly and hold at least three community education sessions followed by public comment.
The review comes as the Memphis City Council considers several data center ordinances, including a proposed moratorium. The council voted 7-5 to delay action until Oct. 20 while members worked through the proposals and legal questions, with council attorney Allan Wade warning that some measures could exceed the council's authority. Young said the executive order would proceed alongside, rather than suspend or delay, the council's legislative process.