Data center project pulls out of Pacific
Beltline Energy has withdrawn its proposed $16 billion data center project from the city of Pacific following a 12-month moratorium enacted by Mayor Debbie Kelley. Residents had vehemently opposed the project due to environmental and quality of life concerns. However, Beltline Energy still has a separate rezoning request pending with Franklin County, making this an ongoing county-level battle.
Residents in Pacific, Missouri, are celebrating a significant victory as Beltline Energy has withdrawn its proposal for a $16 billion, 500-acre data center project. The decision follows months of strong community opposition and comes days after Pacific Mayor Debbie Kelley enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications and rezoning requests within the city.
Residents had voiced concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts, property values, and the overall lack of "guardrails" for such rapid development. Allison Quino, a local resident, noted that while the initial offer of $50 million annually for the town was attractive, pointed questions from the community about the project's details went unanswered, raising significant concerns.
Mayor Kelley indicated that Beltline Energy did not specify their reasons for withdrawal but cited emails concerning the city's wastewater system, a critical component for data centers requiring substantial water. KSDK News reached out to the Atlanta-based developer for further clarification on their decision.
Despite the win in Pacific, the fight is not entirely over. Beltline Energy still has a separate rezoning request pending with Franklin County. Quino expressed hope for healing fractured community friendships and moving forward together as county commissioners prepare to make their decision on the remaining aspect of the project.