Owensboro residents push back on possible AI data center proposal

Owensboro, Kentucky, is experiencing significant local resistance to a possible AI data center, even though no formal proposal has been submitted to the city. Local daycare teacher Maranda McDaniel initiated a Change.org petition, which quickly gathered over 3,000 signatures, expressing strong concerns about the facility's potential impact on water resources, noise levels, utility bills, and the community's rural character. McDaniel has called for city leaders to issue a definitive rejection of data centers in Owensboro and has organized a community meeting to prepare residents for future city discussions. Mayor Tom Watson confirmed that while city leaders have had internal discussions about staying current with technology, including the concept of a data center, no concrete plans or proposals have come from a data center group. Watson described many of the community's fears as based on "misnomers" and "disinformation," and the City of Owensboro released a statement emphasizing that no active projects are being considered. The city's statement also noted that future developments would require new ordinances, public readings, hearings, and city commission approval. U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie's office stated no knowledge of specific plans for Owensboro but issued a broader statement on AI infrastructure, stressing the importance of local values and stakeholders in driving innovation while ensuring affordable power and protecting ratepayers.