Memphis fails to pass 1-year data center moratorium, instead opting for a shorter-term ban

October 20, 2026 / 11:48 PM EDT / CBS News

Memphis fails to pass 1-year data center moratorium, instead opting for a shorter-term ban

TL;DR

  • Memphis city council voted against a one-year moratorium on data center development.
  • A substitute ordinance was passed, halting data center construction for 135 days.
  • Residents and activists have been protesting data center development, especially SpaceXAI's facilities, due to environmental concerns.
  • A plant powering SpaceXAI's data centers in Southaven, Mississippi, is facing a lawsuit over alleged pollution from methane gas turbines.
  • The 135-day ban aims to complement a 90-day executive order to study data center impacts.
  • Community members expressed frustration and concerns about a lack of transparency from local government and data center developers.
  • Protests and postponed votes have occurred in previous city council meetings regarding this issue.
  • Broader public sentiment across America shows discomfort with new data centers in local areas.