Desloge Town Hall Draws Regional Opposition to Potential Data Center
A town hall meeting in Desloge, Missouri, drew widespread regional opposition to a potential data center, with residents calling for a planning moratorium. State representatives presented differing views on economic and environmental impacts, while local officials noted the city had no available land and the county lacked planning and zoning.
The City of Desloge, Missouri, hosted a public town hall meeting at North County Middle School to address the potential development of a data center in the area, drawing several hundred regional residents. The discussion featured comments from state representatives Becky Laubinger, Jeff Myers (District 42), and Mike Koslow (District 108), alongside representatives from the Missouri Rural Crisis Center and Missouri Workers Center.
While Rep. Myers highlighted potential economic benefits, Rep. Koslow sought a middle ground, and Laubinger expressed hesitancy. Advocacy groups presented opposition, which resonated with the audience. Key concerns raised during the question-and-answer session included the long-range environmental impact of data centers, with residents questioning promises of economic advantages.
During public comments, the dominant sentiment was opposition to data centers, with many participants advocating for a moratorium of at least a year on any planning for such facilities. Democratic state representative candidate Eli Flowers also called for a moratorium. Despite an inquiry from the Desloge family regarding a city data center, Mayor Pete Pasternak voiced his opposition, and city officials clarified no land was available within Desloge. Rep. Koslow noted that St. Francois County lacks planning and zoning, encouraging residents to engage county officials on the matter.