The Kansas WEALTH Coalition Calls for a Data Center Moratorium Until Significant Guardrails Are Put in Place
The Kansas WEALTH Coalition has issued a joint statement demanding a statewide moratorium on data center development until robust guardrails are established. The coalition cites concerns over the extensive water and energy consumption of these facilities and the lack of public oversight. They advocate for state and local policies to protect the health and welfare of Kansas communities.
The Kansas WEALTH (Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health) Coalition released a joint statement on September 1, 2026, calling for a statewide moratorium on data center construction. The coalition demands that significant "guardrails" be established through state and local policies to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Kansas communities before further data center development is allowed.
The coalition's statement, which is available online and open for endorsement, defines key principles for these protective measures. Rabbi Moti Rieber, Executive Director of Kansas Interfaith Action, described the current rapid development of large-scale data centers, supported by state tax abatements and lacking public oversight, as a "wild-west scenario." He emphasized the necessity of addressing the substantial water and energy demands of these facilities and ensuring that large tech corporations meet their commitments to communities.
Tom Buller, Executive Director of the Kansas Rural Center, echoed these concerns, stating that large data centers would strain the state's power supplies and deplete already limited water sources, particularly impacting vulnerable populations. Both leaders underscored that Kansans should not be burdened by data centers while wealthy entities reap the benefits, asserting that residents deserve better protections.