Geary Co. approves moratorium on data center development
Geary County leaders have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas. This pause allows the county to develop regulations and study the impacts on infrastructure, water, and power needs. The planning commission will meet monthly to discuss the issue further and gather expert information.
Geary County, Kansas, leaders have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center development within unincorporated areas. The decision, made at a June 22 meeting, aims to provide the county with sufficient time to establish comprehensive regulations for future data center projects.
The proposal was presented by Geary County GIS/Planning and Zoning Director Troy Livingston, following a recommendation from the planning commission earlier in the month. Livingston stated that the year-long pause is crucial for studying potential impacts on local infrastructure, water resources, and power supply, allowing for informed decision-making.
During the moratorium, the planning commission will hold monthly meetings, seeking input from local university experts for unbiased information. Commissioner Trish Giordano emphasized the necessity of the moratorium to evaluate impacts and address public concerns, clarifying that the goal is to protect community resources and avoid misinformation. The moratorium also covers alternative energy projects like wind, solar, and battery storage, as well as crypto mining, but exempts already-permitted projects.