Looking into the City of Camdenton’s AI data center moratorium three months in
Three months ago, the City of Camdenton enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers following massive public opposition to an opportunity zone that could have brought AI data centers to the area. Residents remain strongly opposed to any data center development, prompting city officials to research and draft a new ordinance, involving the public once comfortable with a draft. The mayor is unsure if the full 12 months will be used, prioritizing getting the ordinance right.
The City of Camdenton, Missouri, is three months into a one-year moratorium on data center development, enacted in May following significant public outcry. Residents expressed strong opposition to a 2,000-acre opportunity zone, fearing it would pave the way for AI data centers that could harm the local environment, particularly the Lake of the Ozarks.
Mayor John McNabb acknowledged the citizens' concerns, stating that while he initially didn't find the mention of data centers in the opportunity zone alarming, public sentiment was clear. The Board of Aldermen rescinded support for the opportunity zone and initiated the moratorium. Currently, city officials, including the Planning and Zoning department and the city attorney, are researching and drafting a new ordinance to regulate future data center development.
However, resident Justin Pierce indicated that citizens are not interested in any form of regulation for data centers, preferring a complete prohibition. Mayor McNabb emphasized the city's commitment to developing a well-considered ordinance, even if it requires the full 12 months of the moratorium period, to ensure local environmental protections are maintained.