Webster County: Data center moratorium
Webster County leaders have enacted a six-month moratorium on new data center and battery site construction due to community pushback. This decision does not impact an existing project already underway. Residents are also advocating for the establishment of a planning and zoning committee for the county.
Webster County commissioners have enacted a temporary six-month moratorium on the construction of new data centers and battery sites. The decision follows significant community opposition to data center developments in the county, with residents expressing satisfaction that the commission is taking action.
OzarksFirst reporter Michael McLaughlin, reporting live from Marshfield, noted that the moratorium's intent is to provide the county with time to gather more information on the potential impacts of such developments. This move is particularly significant as Webster County currently lacks a formal planning and zoning framework.
However, the moratorium does not affect a data center already under construction on Rifle Range Road, a point acknowledged by the commission. Despite this, community members view the moratorium as a positive step towards gaining control over future large-scale projects.
Community members are also advocating for the establishment of a planning and zoning committee for Webster County, with a vote targeted for November. This initiative requires a petition with at least 1,000 signatures from registered voters.