Joplin councilman challenges data center critics to bring facts, not fear
Joplin City Councilman Brian Cowles is defending the city's approach to a proposed data center, urging critics to provide facts over fear. This comes after the Joplin City Council unanimously approved new development standards for data centers, addressing concerns like noise, water use, and emissions. The project is still a proposal, with studies ongoing regarding its potential impacts and economic benefits.
Joplin City Councilman Brian Cowles has publicly defended the city's handling of a proposed data center project, urging critics to base their concerns on credible evidence rather than fear. His statement follows the Joplin City Council's unanimous approval of new development standards designed to regulate future data centers. These standards address various aspects including noise levels, water consumption, wastewater management, air emissions from backup generators, setbacks, and utility infrastructure requirements.
Cowles, who has extensively researched the data center industry, emphasized that the development remains a proposal and that potential impacts on water, electricity, infrastructure, and the environment are still under investigation. The new regulations mandate developers to use closed-loop cooling systems or similar water-saving technologies, disclose projected water and electrical demands, and secure utility confirmation of sufficient capacity. Importantly, developers and end-users are responsible for any required utility improvements without passing costs to existing customers.
The ordinance sets a noise limit of 45 decibels at residential property lines, requires pre-construction sound testing, and mandates compliance with state and federal air quality standards for backup generators. While an earlier requirement for a special use permit was removed, the standards will be enforced through the city
’s existing zoning and permitting processes. Cowles highlighted the project's potential economic benefits, including 1,500-2,000 construction jobs and 300-500 operating positions with salaries over $100,000 annually, while acknowledging these are projections. He also noted discussions about associating roughly half of the substantial electricity demand with solar generation.