Shelby County advances ordinance for data center moratorium

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners has passed the first reading of an ordinance to implement a moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas. The 5-4 vote follows significant community pushback regarding the environmental and health impacts of existing facilities.

Advocates at the meeting argued that data centers contribute to air pollution, specifically nitrogen oxides, which increase cancer risks and respiratory issues like asthma in neighborhoods such as Whitehaven and Boxtown. Representatives from the 901 Youth Action Network also testified, citing increased hospital visits and school absences linked to local data center operations. While some commissioners questioned the necessity of a moratorium in areas without current development plans, supporters emphasized the need for guardrails to protect natural resources and resident well-being.