By Jaedyn Young, Reno Gazette Journal
The Reno City Council approved an extended pause on data center applications until Aug. 31, 2027. The extension cannot be lifted until new regulations for data centers are added to city code.
The council voted 6-1 to extend the pause they approved in May after listening to a full day of public comment and staff presentations. They voted unanimously to start looking at regulations to put on data centers within city limits after the pause is over.
Council member Kathleen Taylor was the only ‘no’ vote on the moratorium, but did approve the process of looking at data center regulations in the city.
Pressing pause on new data centers is an idea that’s been circulating regionally. The Sparks City Council voted to look into regulations and brainstormed the idea of putting a moratorium in their area.
Reno’s council originally failed in a vote in February 2025 to add regulations after more data centers started popping up in Nevada. But in April, they changed their minds, voting to look into regulations.
The city now has six data centers in downtown, south Reno and the North Valleys.
Existing data centers and those now being built will not be affected by the vote. Only new data center applications will be on hold through 2027.
Reno council member Devon Reese asked to extend the moratorium to 2027 so it would extend through the Nevada Legislature’s session and allow more time for the public to engage in the process and see if the state creates regulations.
Many public commenters advocated for a permanent ban on data centers in the city. However, they did break out in applause after the extension was approved.
“Data centers are a threat to our environment and public health,” Amy O’Brien said. “It’s infuriating that we have to plead to our government officials to protect our water system.”
“We need a permanent moratorium to protect our water, well-being and the future of our children.”
Council member Naomi Duerr also asked there be milestones on where the regulations stand to come back to council for public discussion. Reno senior planner Lauren Knox told the council staff will return with data center ideas and a public engagement timeline at future meetings.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
