Daily Digest — July 10, 2026
Independence, Missouri Enacts 180-Day Data Center Moratorium
The Independence City Council voted unanimously to impose a 180-day moratorium on new data center and battery energy storage systems (BESS) approvals, according to KSHB 41. The pause is intended to allow the city time to update zoning regulations that predate large-scale data center development. Draft zoning changes are expected to go before the Planning Commission shortly, as reported by KCTV5 News.
The moratorium does not affect projects already underway, including:
- A Nebius 1.2-gigawatt hyperscale AI data center approved in March, which broke ground in May
- A second application from Patmos for a reported 50-megawatt facility
The Independence GUARD Alliance characterized the measure as a "quarter measure," according to KSHB 41. Councilman Brice Stewart, who sponsored the moratorium but had voted against the Nebius project, explained that including existing projects would pose significant legal risk to the city. Residents near the Nebius construction site reported constant truck traffic and equipment operation, as reported by KCTV5.
This follows a similar 180-day moratorium passed by the Jackson County Legislature in June covering unincorporated areas. Across the state line in Kansas, the Edgerton Planning Commission voted down a data center project and Leavenworth County enacted a 90-day moratorium.
Independence City Council enacts six-month data center moratorium
KCTV5 News
Independence passes 180-day moratorium on new data center projects
KSHB 41 Kansas City
Data center opponents react to Independence passing 180-day moratorium on new projects
KSHB 41 Kansas City
Independence Approves 180-Day Data Center Moratorium
KSHB 41
Independence Council Recall Election Set, Then Challenged in Court
A special election has been scheduled for September 1 to determine the recall of Independence First District Councilmember John Perkins, according to the Kansas City Star. The recall effort was driven by criticism of Perkins' vote approving $6.2 billion in tax breaks for a $150 billion, 400-acre Nebius hyperscale AI data center under construction in northeast Independence.
Days before the council approved the election, First District residents filed a lawsuit in Jackson County court seeking to halt the recall. The plaintiffs argue:
- The second batch of required signatures was submitted one day late, making them void
- The city's referendum process for recalls is unconstitutional when based on policy disagreements rather than competence concerns
Two other council members who voted for the tax breaks have since been voted out of office. The special election carries an estimated cost of $164,400 and will require a budget amendment. Mayor Kevin King defended Perkins' vote as prioritizing the city's long-term financial wellness.
Marietta, Georgia Approves Six-Month Data Center Moratorium
The Marietta City Council unanimously voted to enact a six-month moratorium on all new data center developments and tabled a request for a proposed data center near Delk Road, according to the Marietta Daily Journal. The moratorium pauses new applications through the end of the year, as reported by 95.5 WSB.
The specific project involves converting an existing storage facility on Powers Ferry Place into an 18-megawatt data center. Discussion on the project has been delayed until the council's August meeting, according to Atlanta News First.
Dozens of residents attended the council meeting and protested outside City Hall. Concerns cited included environmental impacts, noise pollution, water usage, and potential increases in utility rates. Proponents of the project argued the facility would use a "closed loop system" for water.
Marietta City Council tables data center, enacts six-month moratorium
Marietta Daily Journal
Marietta pauses new data center applications through end of year
95.5 WSB
Marietta City Council tables vote on proposed data center
Atlanta News First
Marietta delays data center request, issues moratorium
East Cobb News
Marietta delays data center request; issues moratorium
East Cobb News
Fort Worth Council Majority Calls for Data Center Moratorium After Zoning Commission Rejects Regulations
A majority of Fort Worth City Council members announced plans to propose a temporary moratorium on data center developments at the council's August meeting, according to the Fort Worth Report. Council members Elizabeth Beck, Carlos Flores, Mia Hall, Jeanette Martinez, Chris Nettles, and Michael Crain have signaled support for the measure.
The initiative follows the Fort Worth Zoning Commission's 7-4 vote to deny a proposed ordinance that would have regulated data center locations and established development standards, including minimum distances from residential neighborhoods, as reported by KVUE. Residents urged commissioners to reject the proposal, arguing the suggested rules were insufficient.
Texas state law limits moratoriums to 90 days with one 90-day extension. Council members cited concerns over water, electricity, noise, and quality of life, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Proposed projects facing scrutiny include:
- Black Mountain: a $10 billion data center on 450 acres
- Edged Data Centers: a facility on 186 acres in Veale Ranch
Resident groups including DFW Communities Over Data Centers and 2871 Community Coalition have actively opposed development, as reported by WFAA.
Majority of Fort Worth council members call for data center moratorium
Fort Worth Report
Fort Worth council members call for data center moratorium
WFAA
Fort Worth City Council members call for data center moratorium as city weighs regulations
The Business Journals
5 Fort Worth City Council members call for data center moratorium
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth commission votes against data center regulations
KVUE
New Mexico Lawmakers Plan Statewide Data Center Moratorium Bill for 2027 Session
Four New Mexico legislators plan to introduce a statewide moratorium on large-scale data center projects during the 2027 legislative session, according to KSFR. Representatives Micaela Lara Cadena, Angelica Rubio, Eleanor Chávez, and Senator Carrie Hamblen are sponsoring the effort, which aims to provide time for developing a comprehensive regulatory framework.
The legislation is largely motivated by issues surrounding Project Jupiter, a hyperscale AI data center in Santa Teresa, Doña Ana County, identified as an Oracle facility. Key concerns include:
- A $165 billion industrial revenue bond approved with less than 30 days' public notice and an incomplete application
- A micro-grid amendment allowing the project to generate its own power, potentially bypassing the state's Energy Transition Act of 2019
- The project's switch from natural gas turbines to fuel cell technology following public opposition
Separately, the New Mexico Department of Justice has opened an investigation into alleged fraudulent public comments submitted in support of an air quality permit for Project Jupiter, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican. Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated that individuals' names were used without consent on submitted comments. State Rep. Cristina Parajón and City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn reported fraudulent submissions under their names, according to KFOX. The New Mexico State Ethics Committee has also taken legal action against "Elevate New Mexico" for allegedly failing to disclose donors.
Oracle's Mahesh Thiagarajan stated the company welcomes the investigation and supports transparency. The New Mexico Economic Development Department recently awarded STACK Infrastructure Inc. over $3 million through the Job Training Incentive Program for the project's workforce development.
Nashville Opposition Mounts Against DC BLOX Data Center Near Zoo; Eminent Domain Legislation Filed
Nashville residents are actively opposing a proposed DC BLOX data center near the Nashville Zoo, with hundreds attending a Metro Nashville Council meeting, according to The Tennessean. Council members have advanced two pieces of legislation imposing new restrictions on data center development, including a moratorium.
Mayor Freddie O'Connell's administration has submitted eminent domain legislation to seize the property from DC BLOX. O'Connell denounced DC BLOX's claims of "collaborative" conversations as "inaccurate, wishful thinking that is divorced from reality." Residents have raised concerns about noise, environmental pollution, electricity costs, and impacts on zoo operations and animal welfare.
DC BLOX, an Atlanta-based developer, has faced opposition in other markets as well. In Lowndes County, Georgia, the company is engaged in disputes over a proposed 720-acre data center. In Indianapolis, it previously removed a building from a site plan and increased buffer zones in response to community pushback, as reported by The Tennessean.
