Opponents of data centers host rally at Missouri Capitol
Over 100 protesters rallied at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, calling for a statewide moratorium on data center construction. Organized by the "No MO Dirty Data Centers" coalition, the demonstration highlighted concerns about water resource protection. One protester was arrested during the event.
More than 100 activists gathered at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Wednesday, advocating for a statewide moratorium on artificial intelligence data center construction. The rally and march, organized by the "No MO Dirty Data Centers" coalition—which includes the Missouri Rural Crisis Center and Missouri Workers Center—highlighted concerns primarily around the impact of data centers on water resources. Ozark County Farmer Wren Haffner emphasized the critical need to protect water for food production.
Protesters marched from the Capitol to the Governor's Mansion, with signs and speeches underscoring their demands. Gabe Cotton, a protester, stated, "You can delay democracy, but you can’t stop it." Activists have been developing a policy platform for the 2027 legislative session. During the demonstration, one protester was arrested by Jefferson City police for standing in the street without a permit.