Butler County Clerk certifies petition seeking to ban data centers in El Dorado
A petition seeking to ban high-impact data centers and certain battery energy storage systems in El Dorado, Kansas, has been certified by the Butler County Clerk. This initiative follows resident opposition to recently approved zoning updates for emerging industries, with supporters now pushing for the city to adopt a prohibitory ordinance or allow voters to decide the issue in a special election.
The Butler County Clerk has certified a petition in El Dorado, Kansas, which seeks to prohibit high-impact data centers and specific battery energy storage systems within city limits. The petition provides two options for the city: either adopt an ordinance enacting the ban or allow the residents to vote on the matter in a special election.
This community effort arose weeks after El Dorado city commissioners approved an ordinance that updated the city's zoning code for emerging industries, including data centers. Residents, organized through groups like "Protect the Heartland," opposed these changes, arguing for stronger protections or a voter-led decision. Danica Dickson, an administrator for the group, stated that concerns escalated after residents learned of city-level discussions regarding potential data center development.
Following the petition's certification, the El Dorado City Commission has 20 days to either adopt the proposed ordinance or schedule a special election. A special meeting of the City Commission has been set for Monday, where commissioners will meet in executive session with their city attorney to review the petition. City Manager David Dillner confirmed the city received the petition and that staff and legal counsel are reviewing it and applicable state statutes, with no action to be taken until this review is complete. Petition organizers, including Amanda McGee, expressed concerns that a developer could still initiate an application under current zoning regulations while the petition process unfolds.