City council passes data center regulations, holds off on moratorium
The Memphis City Council passed two ordinances regulating data centers but postponed a vote on a proposed temporary moratorium until October 20. The delay followed a protest that disrupted an earlier council meeting, with activists continuing to oppose data center development and demand stronger restrictions.
The Memphis City Council approved two data center regulations on first reading but did not vote on a proposed temporary moratorium. The moratorium vote was pushed to Oct. 20 after an earlier meeting was disrupted by nearly 200 activists and concerned residents protesting the council’s handling of data center development.
Councilman Tis Carlisle criticized the disruption, while activists said they had spent nearly a year organizing community meetings and canvassing in support of a moratorium. The council proceeded with additional security and rules of decorum, allowing speakers to continue voicing their opinions while the moratorium remained pending.