One developer interested in creating new data center while city staff consider moratorium
The Springfield City Council is considering a 120-day moratorium on new data center applications following a protest by approximately 60 residents. Concerns raised include environmental impacts on water and air, noise pollution, and energy use. City staff plan to use the potential moratorium period to analyze land use compatibility and infrastructure impacts.
Springfield, Missouri, is currently facing a contentious debate regarding data center development. The Springfield City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed 120-day moratorium on accepting new data center applications.
This consideration comes in response to a public protest held by about 60 residents near Plaza Towers, a site associated with a developer interested in a new data center project. Protesters expressed significant concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of data centers, specifically citing issues with water and air quality, noise pollution, and high energy consumption, as well as broader opposition to artificial intelligence technology.
City Manager David Cameron indicated that if the moratorium is approved, city staff would undertake a comprehensive analysis during the 120-day period. This analysis would cover land use compatibility, impacts on electrical, water, and wastewater infrastructure, noise and air pollution, and the overall economic effects of data center projects. The city also plans to establish a clear definition of 'data center' within its code and conduct a series of public meetings to gather community input, with the possibility of extending the study period.