Kansas Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate data center policies
The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interviewed Democratic candidates for Kansas governor, Ethan Corson, Cindy Holscher, and Curt Skoog, about their differing views on data center development in the state. Candidates debated statewide moratoriums versus local control, the economic and environmental impacts of data centers, and the need for new regulations regarding water and electricity use. The issue is emerging as a key topic in the upcoming governor's race.
The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interviewed the three Democratic candidates for Kansas governor—State Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher, and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog—regarding their positions on data center development, an increasingly contentious issue across the state and country.
State Sen. Ethan Corson, representing Johnson County, opposes a statewide moratorium on data centers, advocating instead for statewide regulations while leaving ultimate development decisions to local communities. His four-point plan emphasizes local control and calls for data centers to pay the full cost of electricity. State Sen. Cindy Holscher, who represents Overland Park, has proposed a statewide moratorium on new data centers, citing concerns about water and electricity consumption, environmental impact, and a lack of promised jobs and economic benefits observed in other states. She would require efficient water/energy use and local, union labor for construction before lifting any pause.
Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog supports local control over data center decisions, viewing them as essential infrastructure when properly sited and supported. Like Corson, he believes data centers should pay for their full electricity costs. Skoog proposes creating a team within the Kansas Department of Commerce to assist communities in evaluating projects, focusing on factors like water availability, electric infrastructure, traffic, and community benefits.
Local examples of ongoing debates include Emporia's divided community over the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, and moratoriums or development pauses enacted in Harvey County, Sedgwick County, and El Dorado. Reno County commissioners have twice rejected proposed bans, illustrating the varied local responses to data center growth.