Shawnee County commissioners approve temporary moratorium for new data center applications
Shawnee County commissioners have approved a temporary moratorium on new data center applications, effective until February 17, 2027. The vote was 2-1, though Compass Datacenters can still resubmit its application if desired. Commissioners are seeking an engineering firm to conduct studies and collect more data during this period.
Shawnee County commissioners have voted 2-1 to enact a temporary moratorium on new data center applications, a measure that will remain in effect until February 17, 2027. Commissioner Kevin Cook proposed the motion, while Commissioner Bill Riphahn cast the dissenting vote, expressing a desire to participate in the decision-making process before his term concludes early next year.
The moratorium means no final action can be taken on new data center applications during this period. However, the ruling includes an exception for Compass Datacenters, allowing the company to resubmit its application if it chooses to do so. The commissioners indicated they are currently in the process of identifying an engineering firm to conduct studies and gather additional data related to data center development.