Fox News reported that a Memphis City Council meeting “descended into chaos” Tuesday night after members voted 7–5 to postpone a final vote on a proposed yearlong moratorium on new data centers.
Vote pushed to Oct. 20
The council delayed the decision until Oct. 20, according to Fox News. Councilman J.B. Smiley Jr., the lead sponsor, pushed for a final vote Tuesday, arguing that residents had come expecting a decision, Fox News reported. Images from the meeting showed residents gathered in the chamber voicing support for a moratorium (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect, as cited by Fox News).
Police clear chamber; fight in lobby
After the delay vote, protesters chanted “This is our city” and “Show me what democracy looks like” as police moved to clear the chamber, Fox News reported. A fight between two women broke out in the lobby; video showed punches being thrown, according to Action News 5, as cited by Fox News. A Memphis Police Department spokesperson told Action News 5 that no one was detained or injured. It was unclear what sparked the altercation or whether it was connected to the meeting.
Council clash spills into open
Fox News reported that Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton exchanged words with protesters before criticizing Smiley, saying, “That’s all he does; he brings up mess… That’s all you do, J.B. Smiley, confuse the people over, over, over and over!”
What the moratorium would do
According to Fox News, the proposed ordinance would pause new data center projects for 12 months while the city studies their effects on public health and on Memphis’ power, water, and other infrastructure.
Why data centers are drawing heat
Fox News reported that Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI operates its Colossus supercomputer facilities in the Memphis area. Some residents have raised concerns about data centers’ use of electricity and water, as well as potential impacts on air quality, noise, and nearby neighborhoods, Fox News reported.
