Evergy

Data Center Signal is tracking 21 clips about Evergy data center developments across 3 states, including KS, MO, VA.

21Clips

3States

States

Topics

electricity90%

government76%

announcement62%

zoning62%

opposition57%

environmental48%

water43%

moratorium24%

legal10%

News ClipKVOE·Lyon County, KS

Lyon County Commission passes pair of moratoriums on data centers and solar developments as part of weekly action meeting Thursday

The Lyon County Commission unanimously enacted two six-month moratoriums, one on data centers and battery storage, and another on solar projects, for unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioner Chris Bartel proposed the moratoriums due to rumors of a potential data center development and a lack of specific zoning regulations. The data center moratorium will expire on January 22, 2027, allowing time to develop specific zoning language.

moratorium zoning government electricity

7/23/2026

News ClipEmporia Gazette·Emporia, Lyon County, KS

County approves temporary moratoriums on data centers, battery storage and solar projects

Lyon County commissioners unanimously approved six-month temporary moratoriums on new data center, battery energy storage, and utility-scale solar projects. This decision allows the county's Planning and Zoning Department to review and strengthen existing zoning regulations. The moratoriums were enacted following months of discussion and public input regarding the potential impacts of such developments.

moratorium zoning electricity opposition environmental

7/23/2026

News ClipNorthwest Missourian·Maryville, Nodaway County, MO

Nodaway County Residents, Maryville Mayor Express Concerns Over Proposed AI Data Center

Residents and local officials in Nodaway County, Missouri, are actively opposing a proposed $6.3 billion AI data center, 'White Cloud Acres', by Scale Microgrids, citing major concerns over water usage, noise, light pollution, and potential PFAS contamination. The Maryville City Council has already enacted a moratorium on large industrial builds within city limits, while the Nodaway County Commission is exploring options for a county-wide moratorium and regulations on data center development.

opposition water environmental government moratorium zoning electricity announcement

6/22/2026

News ClipLawrence Journal-World·De Soto, Johnson County, KS

A second major data center project has been proposed in De Soto near Panasonic battery plant

Digital Realty has proposed "Astra North," a large data center campus in De Soto, Kansas, near the Panasonic battery plant. Preliminary plans for the $4 billion first phase, including nine buildings and two substations requiring 600 MW of power, were presented to the De Soto City Council. This project, alongside another by Beale Infrastructure, has generated significant community opposition due to its scale and proximity to schools.

announcement electricity water opposition zoning

Digital Realty

6/10/2026

News ClipNews Radio KMAN·St. Marys, Pottawatomie County, KS

Officials: Proposed data center could have 10-15 buildings, use up to 1.2 gigawatts of power

A proposed data center in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, could feature 10-15 buildings and consume up to 1.2 gigawatts of power. Developer Beltline Energy is brokering the deal, but has not yet submitted an application as the land is currently zoned for agricultural use. Pottawatomie County is currently drafting regulations for such facilities.

zoning electricity government announcement

6/10/2026

News ClipKVOE·Emporia, Lyon County, KS

DATA CENTER: Digital Campus, city officials continue answering pointed questions nearly week after announcement

Kanza Park Place announced plans for a gigawatt-scale data center, the Flint Hills Digital Campus, in Emporia, Kansas. The project, projected to be a 10-year build-out on 1,000 acres, faces numerous questions from the public and city officials regarding its environmental impact, electricity and water usage, and potential economic benefits. Public opinion has been largely critical, prompting city officials and the Regional Development Association to address community concerns.

zoning opposition environmental announcement government electricity water

6/7/2026

News ClipColumbia Missourian·Jefferson City, Cole County, MO

‘They’re already here': Regulating data centers stalls in Missouri$

Missouri's efforts to regulate hyperscale data centers, particularly their energy consumption, are lagging behind their rapid expansion. Senate Bill 4, enacted last year, aims to make large energy users pay for their own infrastructure costs, but critics argue it has loopholes and could lead to increased reliance on natural gas and costs passed to consumers. Local communities are resorting to moratoriums in the absence of comprehensive state-level regulation.

electricity government environmental opposition

6/5/2026

News Clip0:21KSNT News·Topeka, Shawnee County, KS

Data centers in Shawnee County? Here’s what we know

Data centers are expanding nationally, but there are currently no plans or discussions for data center development in Shawnee County, Kansas. While utility company Evergy has reported interest from companies looking to build in its service area, no projects have moved forward in Shawnee County at this time.

government announcement

6/4/2026

News ClipThe Topeka Capital-Journal·Topeka, Shawnee County, KS

Evergy explores bringing a data center to Topeka

Evergy, a utility company, is reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing a new data center development to Topeka, Kansas. This initiative suggests a potential expansion of data center infrastructure in the region, with Evergy playing a key role in its establishment.

announcement electricity

6/3/2026

News ClipKVOE·Emporia, Lyon County, KS

Plans announced for Flint Hills Digital Campus ‘gigawatt-scale’ data center in west Emporia

Emporia city leaders have announced plans for the Flint Hills Digital Campus, a gigawatt-scale data center project led by Kanza Park Place LLC, set for Industrial Park IV. The project is currently in the initial phase of study and zoning considerations, with significant potential economic impacts for the city. Discussions are underway regarding infrastructure, including water rights and a high water usage policy, and the Emporia Planning Commission is considering a new Digital Infrastructure Overlay.

announcement zoning government electricity water moratorium

6/2/2026

News ClipKMBC·Osawatomie, Miami County, KS

City of Osawatomie, developer announce plan to move forward with data center

The City of Osawatomie, Kansas, and Alcove Development announced plans to proceed with "Project Catalyst," a multi-phase, 500+ MW data center campus, despite significant community opposition. Developers highlight economic benefits and an air-cooled design to minimize water use, while residents express environmental concerns and have filed petitions and called for a moratorium. The project is expected to undergo a special use permit process.

announcement opposition environmental electricity water moratorium zoning government

5/29/2026

News ClipKOAM News Now·Pittsburg, Crawford County, KS

Pittsburg leaders explore data center expansion opportunities at chamber presentation

Community leaders in Pittsburg, Kansas, gathered at a Chamber of Commerce presentation to learn about potential data center expansion opportunities. Evergy's Senior Director of External Affairs was involved, suggesting discussions around energy infrastructure for future developments.

government announcement electricity

5/27/2026

News ClipInside Climate News·Goochland County, VA

Residents Wrangle Over Transmission Line Proposal for Rural Virginia

A major 765-kilovolt transmission line project, Valley Link, proposed by Dominion Energy and its partners to serve data centers in Northern Virginia, is facing intense opposition from residents and advocacy groups in rural Virginia counties like Goochland. Residents have filed a lawsuit challenging Goochland County's recently approved technology overlay district, citing inconsistencies in zoning. Concerns include disruption of rural character, environmental impacts, and grid reliability.

zoning opposition environmental electricity legal government

5/26/2026

News ClipKSNT 27 News·Wamego, Pottawatomie County, KS

Electricity rates, utility discussed over proposed data center in Pottawatomie County

A proposed data center by Beltline Energy in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, is facing scrutiny from local officials and residents. A recent meeting addressed concerns about the project's impact on electricity rates, water usage, and noise pollution, with utility Evergy providing information and landowners expressing significant worries.

electricity environmental water opposition government zoning announcement

5/21/2026

News ClipKSHB 41 Kansas City·Gardner, Johnson County, KS

Gardner neighbors gather to voice opposition of a 300-acre, hyperscale data center

Neighbors in Gardner, Kansas, are actively opposing a proposed 300-acre hyperscale data center development by Beale Infrastructure in Johnson County. Residents voiced concerns over noise, light pollution, property values, and the industrial nature of the project. The City of Gardner is currently reviewing the application and holding public information sessions.

opposition electricity zoning government

4/30/2026

News ClipLawrence Journal-World·Lawrence, Douglas County, KS

Lawrence could be a landing spot for data centers as city code already allows them

Lawrence, Kansas, currently allows data centers in industrial zoning districts by right, with special use permits for other zones, but lacks specific regulatory standards for these facilities. This contrasts with neighboring Douglas County's ongoing consideration of data center regulations. While no formal applications have been submitted, the city is evaluating its policies given potential economic benefits and concerns about land, energy, and water usage.

zoning electricity water government

4/27/2026

News ClipWVTF·Scottsville, Fluvanna County, VA

Data centers' energy demand drives grid construction in Central Virginia

Rapidly increasing electricity demand, primarily driven by Northern Virginia data centers, is spurring major grid expansion projects across Central Virginia. This includes a new 115-mile transmission line and a second natural gas power plant in Fluvanna County, proposed by Tenaska. Local residents and environmentalists are pushing back against these infrastructure developments due to concerns about land conversion, pollution, and health impacts.

electricity environmental opposition government zoning

4/21/2026

News ClipKSHB 41 Kansas City·Kansas City, Jackson County, MO

What's the impact of having 10 hyperscale data centers in the KC metro? Experts weigh in

The Kansas City metro area has received at least 10 proposals for hyperscale data centers, with some already operational. Experts warn that this proliferation could significantly strain the region's electric and water infrastructure and lead to environmental costs. Utility companies are implementing new rate structures to fund capacity upgrades, ensuring existing customers aren't directly impacted by increased costs.

electricity water environmental announcement government

Meta Google

3/26/2026

News ClipNortheast News KC·Independence, Jackson County, MO

AI Data Center Sparks Concern Among KC Metro Residents

Residents in Independence, Missouri, have launched significant opposition to a proposed 2.5-million-square-foot AI data center by Nebius Group. Concerns span environmental impact, electricity and water usage, and potential noise and light pollution. A lawsuit has been filed against the city after it denied a petition for a referendum on the project, which received substantial tax breaks.

legal environmental opposition government electricity water announcement

3/25/2026

News ClipKansas City Star·Kansas City, Jackson County, MO

KC residents fear data centers could drive up bills. Why Evergy says not to worry

The article discusses concerns from Kansas City residents that the growth of data centers in the area could drive up electricity bills, and Evergy's response that this is not a concern.

electricity opposition

3/16/2026