DeSoto Planning Commission recommends 2-year AI data center moratorium, including DCIP expansion
The DeSoto County Planning Commission has recommended a two-year moratorium on AI data centers, including an expansion by DCIP Group, following strong opposition from local residents concerned about water, electricity, and environmental impacts. The recommendation now proceeds to the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners for a final vote. Commissioners previously approved rezoning for a smaller data center project by DCIP Group.
The DeSoto County Planning Commission has voted to recommend a two-year moratorium on all AI data centers within the community, a decision made after an emotional meeting packed with dozens of residents. The proposed moratorium specifically targets the expansion plans of DCIP Group, which is seeking to develop an additional 828 acres for data centers.
Neighbors voiced significant concerns over the potential strain on local water and electricity resources, as well as the environmental and health impacts of such facilities. One resident, Karen Pritchard, lives near the proposed project and expressed continued apprehension, noting that a very large data center already exists in the area. During the meeting, tensions were high, leading to one man being ejected after a dispute with a county official.
While the Planning Commission's recommendation is a victory for residents, the moratorium is not yet final. The proposal now advances to the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners for a decisive vote at a future meeting. DCIP Group, which has already received approval for rezoning 34 acres for a 35,000 square foot data center, stated that their full project spans 1300 acres and would generate most of its own electricity on-site, using groundwater only as a last resort. The CEO of DCIP Group acknowledged residents' concerns but questioned the accuracy of their information.