Kansas Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Statewide Data Center Moratorium
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher is calling for a statewide moratorium on data center construction in Kansas, citing concerns over water depletion, increased electricity costs, and ignored community input, exemplified by a large data center in De Soto. Rival candidate Curt Skoog opposes a construction halt but emphasizes balancing industrial growth with critical water preservation. The issue has become a point of contention in the ongoing Kansas gubernatorial race.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher has publicly advocated for a statewide moratorium on data center construction in Kansas. In a recent op-ed, Holscher stated that her initial support for such developments has shifted due to concerns about their impact on water supplies, rising electricity costs, and a perceived disregard for community voices. She highlighted anxieties among residents encountered during her campaign regarding "massive" data center projects, specifically referencing a 1.14 million-square-foot "hyper scale" facility planned for De Soto.
Holscher criticized "big tech billionaires and the politicians enabling them" for continuing to push data center expansion despite public opposition. In contrast, fellow Democratic candidate Curt Skoog, who is currently the mayor of Overland Park, issued a statement to the Kansas Reflector. Skoog indicated he does not support halting data center construction but emphasized the necessity of making investments that support industrial growth while also prioritizing water preservation.
Skoog argued that water resources and data centers cannot be considered in isolation, as water is vital for families, agriculture, energy, and other industries, and all these demands must be carefully balanced. The differing stances on data center policy have emerged as a notable issue in the Democratic primary for Kansas governor, underscoring a broader debate on economic development versus environmental and community impacts within the state.