Data Centers Get Brief, Temporary Moratorium in Reno Ahead of Primary Elections and New Council Discussions

In a decision felt by many pro-environment activists to be too late and limited in scope, the Reno City Council today approved a short 30-day moratorium to temporarily halt approving and seeing new data centers built within city limits, with a handful already existing, while conversations take place for setting up new regulations.

Council member Brandi Anderson said she hoped the City could exit the moratorium just as quickly as entering it, to develop “robust regulations” and do what she called real work on "a text amendment instead of expanding this moratorium going forward.” She said she would support the motion “so we can get the work done.” Miguel Martinez said it wasn’t a “closed for business sign from my perspective but more of a let’s figure this out.”

Outgoing Mayor Hillary Schieve said she was grateful for the many public commenters and hearing the passion for the “protection” of Reno. “That’s what tells me that you love this place that you call home,” she said.

Kathleen Taylor who is running for mayor in the current cycle was the lone no. Another council member running for mayor Devon Reese wrote on social media "I was proud to "second" the motion for this vote for this; believe it's the right step forward. This issue has evolved quickly, and I'm glad we are evolving with it."

Another discussion on the moratorium issue is set for June first just before the primary with many protesting about this in Reno saying Taylor and Reese are trying to score political points and sway voters with their current stances.

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