Data center opposition has turned some Independence residents into new activists

A group of Independence, Missouri residents have mobilized in opposition to a planned $150 billion, 400-acre data center project, gathering signatures to force a public vote on the city's $6 billion in tax breaks for the Dutch company Nebius. The residents, organized under the Stop The AI Data Center in Independence group, have conducted daily petition drives and filed a lawsuit, arguing the data center will drastically change their community. City leaders say the project is too far along to stop, but the residents are determined to voice their concerns and have a say in the decision.