Data center opposition group sues the City of Festus and proposed developer

The data center opposition group Wake Up JeffCo, joined by four property owners, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Festus and data center developer CRG in St. Louis County, Missouri. The plaintiffs aim to reverse two city decisions: one to rezone an area for a potential AI data center and another to enter into a contract outlining developer requirements. This legal action follows recent local elections where all four incumbent Festus city council candidates were ousted, coinciding with significant community pushback against the project. Mary Fakes, a plaintiff residing near the proposed development, expressed concerns about potential health hazards and the substantial water usage required for hyperscale data centers, citing estimates of billions of liters annually by 2028. Researchers also predict the growing demand for AI data centers could lead to billions in public water infrastructure costs nationwide. The lawsuit alleges that Festus city officials intentionally withheld information and conducted unlawful private meetings to bypass the Missouri Sunshine Law, which mandates government transparency. Steve Jeffery, the attorney representing the Festus residents, stated his belief that officials met in small groups to avoid public record requirements. Correspondence posted on the City of Festus' website reportedly acknowledged efforts to keep project discussions confidential, with some officials' names redacted. Lori Merriman, founder of Wake Up JeffCo, emphasized that the lawsuit validates months of resident opposition, stating that the city council has not been transparent or responsive to community concerns. The $6 billion proposed data center project had previously faced strong disapproval from residents at a heated public meeting where the city council approved a framework of requirements for CRG.