Data Center Opposition Unites Political Factions in Kansas and Missouri
This article discusses the growing bipartisan opposition to data center developments across Kansas and Missouri, driven by concerns over water and electricity usage, as well as land consumption. It cites examples like a withdrawn proposal in Spring Hill, officials voted out in Independence, and developer claims in Finney County, noting that the author has a personal connection to a candidate advocating for a data center pause.
The Iola Register reports on the emergence of a cross-political backlash against data center development, particularly across Kansas and Missouri. This opposition, which unites both anti-establishment left and right-wing groups, stems from concerns over the vast water and electricity consumption, significant land use, and the perceived limited local economic benefits of these facilities.
Specific instances of this resistance include the withdrawal of a data center proposal in Spring Hill, Kansas, and the ousting of two city officials in Independence, Missouri, who had approved tax breaks for a data center. The article also notes that while Kansas is not currently considering such measures, other states are exploring new regulations or moratoriums on data center construction.
Critics, like those in Finney County, Kansas, where developer Triple Oak proposes a data center, express skepticism about industry claims, particularly regarding water usage reductions through air cooling. They also distrust politicians who approve projects under agreements that limit developer accountability. The article highlights a shift in political alignment, where traditional left-right divisions on large infrastructure projects are bypassed, with conservatives opposing land repurposing and big tech, while liberals raise alarms about corporate profit, environmental impact, and job displacement.
The author, serving as a campaign manager for a Kansas Legislature candidate favoring a data center pause, suggests this growing backlash could significantly alter the political landscape beyond just regulating or stopping data centers.