Judge Blocks Benton County Moratorium on Data Centers
A Missouri judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Benton County Commission from enforcing its moratorium on data center development. The injunction allows Springfield developer NSI 6 to pursue plans for a data center in Warsaw while its lawsuit against the county proceeds.
Senior Judge Jacqueline Cook issued a preliminary injunction against the Benton County Commission, preventing enforcement of the county’s data center moratorium until a final judgment is reached in NSI 6’s lawsuit. The Springfield developer plans to construct and operate a data center on 12 acres near U.S. Route 65 and Dam Access Road in Warsaw.
Cook found that the county’s ordinance lacked specific findings or supporting facts linking data centers to public health risks and determined that NSI 6 showed a sufficient likelihood of success and potential irreparable harm. County commissioners argued the yearlong moratorium was needed to study possible effects on utilities, drainage, stormwater, lighting and noise, but no additional hearings are scheduled.