Memphis Data Center Fight Erupts Into Protest and Lobby Brawl

By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)

A Memphis City Council meeting erupted into protests and a fight Tuesday night after council members postponed a vote on a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers. The council voted 7-5 to delay consideration of the measure until Oct. 20. Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. was absent from the meeting, according to Fox News. The proposed moratorium would temporarily stop new data center projects while Memphis studies their potential effects on residents and the city's infrastructure, including electricity and water usage. The debate comes as Elon Musk's SpaceXAI operates its large Colossus computing facilities in the Memphis area. Some residents have raised concerns about the facilities' impact on power and water demand, air quality, noise and surrounding neighborhoods. After council members voted to postpone the measure, protesters inside City Hall began chanting, "This is our city" and "Show me what democracy looks like." Police then moved to clear the chamber. The tension continued in the building's lobby, where two women were captured on video throwing punches, according to Action News 5. A Memphis Police Department spokesperson told the outlet that neither woman was detained or injured, and it was not clear what prompted the confrontation. The council meeting itself also featured sharp exchanges among lawmakers. Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton criticized protesters before turning her attention to Councilman J.B. Smiley Jr., the moratorium's lead sponsor. She accused Smiley of repeatedly creating confusion for residents. Smiley had urged the council to vote on the proposal Tuesday, arguing that residents had attended the meeting expecting lawmakers to make a decision. Councilman Jeff Warren opposed the moratorium, warning that a year-long pause could make companies reconsider locating in Memphis. He said businesses could instead choose nearby counties, including DeSoto, Crittenden, Fayette and Tipton counties. Memphis Mayor Paul Young has supported additional regulations for data centers while also acknowledging the tax revenue they can bring to the city. Young said Memphis needs rules addressing electricity and water consumption, air quality, noise and the locations where data centers can operate. He called for those protections to be put in place quickly. Smiley said the large turnout should have prompted council members to listen more closely to residents. "When the community shows up, we just have to listen with ears," he said, according to Action News 5, adding that lawmakers should find a way to address residents' concerns while determining what is best for the city. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1u7HG80tO0