Southwest Missouri Citizens Against Data Centers opposes large-scale AI data center and solar park projects
A grassroots coalition in Southwest Missouri, 'Southwest Missouri Citizens Against Data Centers,' is actively opposing large-scale AI data center and solar park projects in Jasper and Webster counties. The group organized a town hall meeting in Sarcoxie to voice concerns about environmental impact, water usage, and health hazards. They are demanding transparency, environmental studies, and are working with county officials to push for development moratoriums.
The grassroots coalition "Southwest Missouri Citizens Against Data Centers" has formed to oppose large-scale AI data center and solar park projects slated for rural areas in Jasper and Webster counties, Missouri. The group recently organized a town hall meeting in Sarcoxie to address a proposed data center and solar energy park by Minnesota-based Geronimo Power, planned for land between Sarcoxie and LaRussell.
Residents attending the "Protect Sarcoxie; Protect Our Future" meeting raised numerous concerns, including the projects' impact on rising utility bills, massive water usage threatening local well tables, potential water and noise pollution, and long-term health hazards such as cancer and strokes, particularly for vulnerable populations. Opposition is also mounting against a separate data center proposed by Lumon Solutions on Rifle Range Road near Marshfield in Webster County.
Southwest Missouri Citizens Against Data Centers is demanding local transparency, comprehensive environmental studies, and accountability from elected officials. The group, which emerged from a perceived lack of dialogue, is actively working with county commissioners and lawmakers to advocate for temporary moratoriums on development to allow for certified environmental impact studies. This local movement is part of a broader statewide pushback against tech development agreements in various Missouri communities.
Geronimo Power, according to the article, addresses energy availability challenges by co-locating power projects with new data centers, creating "powered data parks." The company identifies suitable land, handles rezoning and environmental permitting, and then develops dedicated power projects before making the prepared site available for acquisition by data center operators.