Data center moratorium vote fails
The Memphis City Council voted 6-6 on a resolution that would have paused new data center development for up to 18 months while further studies were conducted. The measure failed because seven votes were required, and an absent council member prevented it from passing amid strong public interest and opposition to the outcome.
The Memphis City Council rejected a proposed 18-month pause on new data center development during the resolution’s third and final reading. The measure received six votes in favor and six against, short of the seven votes required for approval; Council member Cooper-Sutton was absent.
The vote followed several heavily attended council meetings and drew significant public reaction. Officials also indicated that another agenda item, which was amended during the meeting, might include a separate pause, though its scope was still being reviewed.