Wamego community fights proposed Beltline Energy data center

A proposed data center project by Georgia-based Beltline Energy in Wamego, Pottawatomie County, Kansas, has sparked significant community opposition. During an open house held by the company in Wamego, residents gathered to learn about the project, ask questions, and express their concerns. Reporter Millie Favela of 27 News observed that many residents were not in favor of the data center, despite Beltline Energy highlighting potential financial growth through substantial tax revenue and the creation of high-wage jobs. Citizens voiced concerns about water depletion, noise, light pollution, and other environmental factors, specifically mentioning the Flint Hills Aquifer. One resident noted the unusual unity of the community on this issue. Beltline Energy representatives stated they had not yet purchased any land and planned to use non-potable water in closed-loop cooling systems to mitigate environmental impact, but local concerns reportedly persist. The project has been a recurring topic in Pottawatomie County Planning Commission meetings.