Contentions over data center development prompt suits across the Ozarks
Data center developer Trent Overhue and associated LLCs are involved in four lawsuits across the Ozarks. The cases challenge data center moratoriums in Springfield and Benton County and include defamation claims tied to opposition to a Webster County project; NSI 6 won a preliminary injunction blocking Benton County from enforcing its moratorium.
Data center developer Trent Overhue and affiliated LLCs are plaintiffs in four lawsuits spanning Greene, Webster, Wright and Benton counties. Two defamation suits filed by Overhue and NSI, A.1 concern online comments about a proposed project near Rifle Range Road in Webster County. NSI, A.1 also is challenging Springfield’s authority to enact and maintain its data center moratorium, while NSI 6 is suing Benton County over its moratorium.
A judge recently granted NSI 6 a preliminary injunction preventing Benton County from enforcing the moratorium while the case proceeds. Overhue is also pursuing a potential data center at 2900 S. National in Springfield, where the city is expected to consider separate data center classifications and extend its moratorium through February.