Webster County Enacts Temporary Moratorium on New Data Centers
Webster County, Missouri, has enacted a six-month temporary moratorium on new data centers and other energy systems, following significant public concern over resource usage and environmental impacts. This moratorium does not affect an existing data center project by Lumon Solutions, LLC, which is currently under construction. Commissioners aim to develop a comprehensive legislative framework during this period.
The Webster County Commission in Missouri, led by Presiding Commissioner Paul Ipock, Northern District Commissioner Dale Fraker, and Southern District Commissioner Randy Owens, enacted a temporary six-month moratorium on new solar-energy systems, wind-energy conversion systems, battery-energy storage systems, and data centers on June 16.
The decision came after significant public outcry, including a May 13 meeting attended by over 800 people who expressed concerns about energy and water usage from data centers impacting residents' quality of life. The moratorium specifically addresses potential substantial electricity consumption, grid sustainability risks, ambient noise, and environmental impacts like drainage, erosion, and water quality issues.
However, the temporary halt does not affect a controversial data center project by Lumon Solutions, LLC, located on Rifle Range Road on Marshfield’s northwest edge, which is already under construction. During the moratorium period, the commission plans to investigate and develop a comprehensive, evidence-based legislative framework to protect public health, safety, property rights, and promote stable economic development.
Following the public meeting, a courthouse source reported anonymous threats were made to commissioners due to anger over the data center situation.