Emporia group urges voters to approve proposed data center restrictions
Emporia Neighbors United is urging city voters to approve a ballot measure that would prohibit high-impact data centers exceeding specified electricity or water-use thresholds. The group cites concerns about water consumption, air pollution, local jobs and limited information about the prospective project, which has not yet reached the development agreement stage.
Emporia Neighbors United is campaigning for approval of a proposed data center prohibition and a separate prohibition on battery energy storage systems on the Nov. 3 ballot. The data center measure would bar facilities with a peak electrical load above 10 megawatts or daily water consumption exceeding 100,000 gallons. Group member Jay Vehige said the restrictions are intended to protect water supplies, air quality and residents’ health while promoting more responsible development.
City Manager Trey Cocking said the potential project has not reached the development agreement stage, when the city would evaluate a prospective partner’s finances and commitments. He characterized the current land developer as preparing property for a possible larger end user rather than guaranteeing or constructing the data center. Vehige argued that the project’s uncertainty supports additional research and caution before Emporia proceeds.