Springfield could join growing list of cities with moratoriums on data centers
The Springfield City Council is considering a 120-day moratorium on new data center applications to review existing regulations and gather public input. This pause would allow city staff to assess various impacts, including land use, infrastructure, and environmental effects, before drafting new recommendations. The goal is to ensure the city is prepared for future data center development.
The Springfield City Council is set to consider a 120-day moratorium on new data center applications at its June 22 meeting. The proposed pause would temporarily halt the acceptance of applications related to the "evaluation, establishment, servicing, or expansion" of data center facilities. Exceptions would be made for applications already under review by the Southwest Power Pool with electric service applications submitted to the Board of Public Utilities, or those authorized by a City Council resolution.
According to City Manager David Cameron, the moratorium aims to provide city staff with crucial time to evaluate current regulations, conduct technical analyses, and solicit public input. This period would allow for the drafting of recommended actions, potentially including revisions to city code, to address the "unique characteristics, demands, and potential cumulative effects" of data center development. Staff would assess land use compatibility, impacts on electric, water, and wastewater infrastructure, and noise and air impacts, while also considering potential fiscal and economic benefits. Cameron emphasized that this review would enable Springfield to better understand data center development, learn from other markets, and ensure future preparedness. The measure directs Cameron to submit a report of findings and recommendations within 90 days of approval, which would then be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council for further consideration.