Mayor proposes emergency pause on large data centers; council hearing Tuesday
ORD-45-26 would block large-facility applications for 182 days if the council passes it Nov. 10.
BOISE - Mayor Lauren McLean is proposing an emergency moratorium on large data centers inside city limits, according to a Nov. 6 City of Boise release. Boise City Council will hold a public hearing on the measure at its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Maryanne Jordan City Council Chambers at City Hall, 150 Capitol Blvd.
The draft emergency ordinance, ORD-45-26, would stop the city from accepting or processing land-use applications for a "large data center," defined as a facility of 100,000 square feet or more, or one with projected or actual electric demand of 20 megawatts or more at full build-out. If passed, the ordinance says it takes effect immediately and lasts 182 days. The mayor's release says Boise has no applications for mega data centers now.
"I'm pulling the emergency brake to protect Boiseans and our precious natural resources," Mayor McLean said in the release. The city cites demands on electricity, water and land, and noise, heat and emissions, as reasons for the pause while it works on lasting rules. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel.
Source: City of Boise, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean Proposes Data Center Moratorium; Nov. 10 City Council agenda / ORD-45-26.