After Missouri city approves $6B data center, angry voters get revenge at the polls

Voters in Festus, Missouri, removed four city council members from office following their approval of a controversial $6 billion data center project. The council members—Jim Collier, Brian Wehner, Robert “Bobby” Venz, and Jim Tinnin—were defeated by challengers running on anti-data center and pro-transparency platforms, just days after voting 6-2 to approve an infrastructure, development, and funding agreement for the project. Local residents, expressing anger over what they perceived as a rushed approval process and ignored public input, voiced strong opposition to the data center, slated for 360 acres. Their concerns centered on the project's potential environmental impact, its effect on property values, and the prospect of a large industrial facility near homes. Newly elected council member Dan Moore noted the data center debate 'struck this community to the core,' highlighting a broader dissatisfaction with city officials. The investment firm CRG Clayco is behind the project, though the ultimate operator of the facility remains unclear. Festus Mayor Sam Richards, who supported the development, now faces a recall effort initiated by residents. The article also notes a national trend of increasing community opposition to data centers due to their substantial demands on local resources, particularly water and electricity, citing examples in Nevada, Idaho, and Colorado.