Hundreds of Missourians rally for pause of data center development
Hundreds of Missouri residents rallied at the Capitol in Jefferson City, protesting data center development and calling for a pause until new regulations are enacted. Concerns include lack of transparency, loss of farmland, environmental protections, and utility costs. One protester was arrested during the rally.
Hundreds of Missouri residents gathered at the Capitol in Jefferson City to protest the rapid development of data centers across the state. Protesters, including farmer Bob Ridgley from Montgomery County, voiced concerns over the impact on agricultural land and the lack of transparency from companies regarding construction plans.
Demonstrators pressed the state government to implement new regulations on data centers, specifically addressing environmental protections and ensuring that data companies bear the full utility costs. While Governor Mike Kehoe has expressed support for data centers, citing their economic benefits, residents argued that local leaders and citizens have not been adequately included in development discussions.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development clarified that state statutes already regulate utility costs, emphasizing that local leaders and citizens ultimately decide on projects. Amidst the rally, one protester was arrested for not properly using the sidewalk. Following the event, Missouri Representative Colin Wellenkamp announced his intention to introduce legislation aimed at protecting water resources and guaranteeing utility payment responsibility for data centers.