Memphis councilors reject 18-month data center moratorium

Memphis City Council rejected an 18-month data center moratorium and instead approved a 135-day pause on new applications. It coincides with a 90-day review of digital infrastructure impact commissioned by Mayor Paul Young. The moratorium vote split 6-6 after 5.5 hours of debate.

• 18-month moratorium rejected in favor of a 135-day pause
• Mayor-ordered review of data center impact to take 90 days
• Moratorium vote split 6-6 with one member absent
• Memphis hosts xAI data centers facing multiple lawsuits