Special Reno City Council Meeting

Data Center Conditional Use Permit Moratorium — Council members divided on whether to pause new data center approvals. Linda Miller and at least one other council member supported a moratorium, citing water resource strain (22,095 acre-feet per year projected), energy grid demands (25,590 gigawatt-hours required), fire risk, emissions from backup generators, proximity to schools and hospitals, and insufficient community input on tax agreements. Matthew Harris opposed the moratorium, arguing data centers are essential infrastructure for the modern economy and that a moratorium would signal to investors that Reno is closed for business. Matthew Paulsen cited water quality issues, generator emissions, noise, and grid strain as concerns. The council did not indicate when or whether it will vote on the moratorium, what duration any moratorium would have (30 days versus one year was mentioned), or what regulatory framework might be developed before approvals resume.

None.

Data Center Moratorium Vote — The council must decide whether to approve a moratorium on new data center development. This decision will determine whether the Centra Data Center project in the Keystone area and other proposed facilities can move forward. The outcome affects Reno's water and energy resources, air quality, and economic development strategy.

Regulatory Framework Development — If a moratorium is approved, the council will need to establish standards for data center development, potentially including requirements for expert consultant review, multi-agency coordination, air dispersion modeling, generator emission standards (Tier II versus Tier IV compliance), water management practices, and community benefit agreements.

Master Plan Updates — Reno's development master plan may require updates to address data center zoning, land use compatibility with residential areas, and infrastructure capacity planning.