Jackson County leaders seek public input on data centers, battery storage
Jackson County leaders are seeking public input in Independence on proposed rules for data centers and large battery-storage facilities. County officials previously established a moratorium on both types of development after residents raised concerns about impacts and a lack of regulations.
Jackson County officials held a community meeting at the South Independence Branch Library to hear residents' views on data centers and large battery-storage facilities. The discussion focused on what rules should be adopted to protect nearby neighbors while allowing economic development.
Resident Charlie Morris, a fifth-generation farmer and former engineer in northeastern Jackson County, said he worked with the county in June to establish a moratorium on battery-storage systems and data centers after a proposed facility near his property drew his attention. County leaders Sean Smith and legislator Vanessa Husky are helping lead the public-input process, which officials hope will produce guidance or a blueprint for handling future private development proposals.