Springfield seeks input on data centers with 2 engagement sessions amid 120-day moratorium
Springfield, Missouri, has enacted a 120-day moratorium on new data center applications to allow time for public input and the development of new regulations. The city is hosting two public engagement sessions to discuss potential impacts like electricity and water usage, sound, air quality, and land use, as well as community benefits. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through these sessions, email, and a new hotline.
The City of Springfield, Missouri, has approved a 120-day moratorium on new data center applications to enable city staff to gather public input and formulate regulations for future data center development. This pause, enacted by the Springfield City Council on June 29, aims to address the potential positive and negative impacts of such facilities, as the city currently lacks a specific definition for "data center" in its code.
To facilitate public engagement, Springfield will host two informational sessions. The first is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, and the second for Tuesday, September 1, at different locations in the city. These meetings will feature subject matter experts providing information on various regulatory aspects, including electricity and water usage, sound and air quality, public safety, and land use. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, submit comment cards, and participate in surveys, with the city encouraging full attendance. Additionally, residents can share feedback via email and a dedicated hotline that is being established.