Data center protesters fill Missouri Capitol seeking a statewide construction moratorium
Approximately 200 people rallied at the Missouri Capitol to demand a statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center construction. Protesters also called for health and environmental protections, transparency, community buy-in, and an end to tax incentives for data centers. The event occurred on the day of the annual veto session and replaced a canceled House hearing on data centers.
Approximately 200 individuals gathered at the Missouri Capitol rotunda for a rally on Wednesday, advocating for a statewide moratorium on the construction of hyperscale data centers. The protesters subsequently marched to the Governor’s Mansion to deliver petitions. This demonstration coincided with the state legislature's annual veto session and was initially scheduled alongside a canceled House hearing concerning data centers.
Speakers at the rally, including Gabe Cotton from Festus – a city that saw the removal of council members supportive of data centers – emphasized the need to protect Missouri towns from "irresponsible and destructive development." Cotton stressed the importance of residents having a genuine democratic voice in the process. Other demands articulated by the protesters included health and environmental safeguards, the elimination of tax incentives for data center development, and requirements for greater transparency and community involvement in such projects. Concerns were also voiced regarding artificial intelligence, which hyperscale data centers support, with Kansas City teacher Clare Barclay highlighting its potential negative impacts on students and future generations.
Despite some legislators acknowledging the need for state-level discussions on data centers, others contend that such decisions should remain with local governments. The Missouri legislature has yet to pass any related legislation, though Governor Mike Kehoe has previously promoted data center development in the state. It remains uncertain whether lawmakers will address the issue when the 2027 session commences in January. During the march, a Kansas City man was arrested for obstructing the street.