Memphis Council Delays Data Center Moratorium Vote

The Memphis City Council voted 7-5 to postpone the remaining items on its agenda, delaying a planned decision on a proposed moratorium on data-center development. The vote was followed by shouting and a police-cleared meeting hall, while reports differed on the next scheduled step for the proposal. The measure would pause data-center development for up to a year while the city studies potential health, engineering, power and water impacts, according to coverage of the proposal. The council had been expected to take a final vote. Instead, the postponement left the proposed restrictions undecided. After the vote, audience members booed and rose from their seats, and protesters moved toward the council dais while shouting at officials, according to accounts citing video and a meeting livestream. Council Chair Jana Swearengen Washington called for a recess and directed police to clear the hall. Police removed protesters as council members left the chamber. WREG reported that at least two women fought near the exits and that no arrests were made.