Data center activity in Kansas
Kansas faces a difficult regulatory environment dominated by moratorium activity, with at least 18 moratoriums enacted and only 1 rejected, alongside unfavorable zoning outcomes of just 1 approval against 1 denial. At least 1 project has been blocked and 1 approved despite opposition. Only 15 companies are active, and the limited zoning and opposition data may reflect both the early stage of Kansas's data center market and gaps in media coverage at medium confidence. Compared to neighboring Missouri, where moratorium counts are lower and zoning approvals are more numerous, Kansas presents fewer demonstrated paths to successful project completion.
Kansas faces a difficult regulatory environment dominated by moratorium activity, with at least 18 moratoriums enacted and only 1 rejected, alongside unfavorable zoning outcomes of just 1 approval against 1 denial. At least 1 project has been blocked and 1 approved despite opposition. Only 15 companies are active, and the limited zoning and opposition data may reflect both the early stage of Kansas's data center market and gaps in media coverage at medium confidence. Compared to neighboring Missouri, where moratorium counts are lower and zoning approvals are more numerous, Kansas presents fewer demonstrated paths to successful project completion.
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Four Kansas gubernatorial candidates are calling for a statewide moratorium on data center construction, citing concerns about environmental impacts, water supply, and utility costs. This stance contrasts with others who prioritize economic development and local control, highlighting a key division in the ongoing debate over tech projects across the state.
KOAM News Now's Kenny Forman interviewed the Pittsburg City Manager about a data center located in Crawford County, Kansas. The full story is available on the KOAM+ app.
Shawnee County officials anticipate data center and battery storage system applications within two months and are preparing to clarify zoning regulations for such facilities. The county sees potential for significant tax revenue to lower the mill levy, but also acknowledges public concerns about power consumption and noise. The Board of County Commissioners is expected to consider a zoning ordinance change to establish a conditional-use permit process for large-scale data centers.
Triple Oak Power is proposing an AI data center project in Finney County, Kansas, near Garden City, which locals are opposing due to concerns about water use, noise, and environmental impact from solar panel installation. Despite opposition and water scarcity concerns related to the Ogallala Aquifer, Finney County officials approved a special use permit for the project, which Triple Oak Power argues will use significantly less water than current irrigation farming on the same land.
Wyandotte County, Kansas, is considering multiple data center proposals, including one by PowerTransitions at a former coal plant site and another hyperscale project by Red Wolf DCD Properties LLC. Local officials are navigating economic benefits against significant environmental concerns regarding energy and water use, facing pressure from environmental advocates like the Kansas Sierra Club. Red Wolf's project is currently stalled due to a lawsuit challenging its rezoning approval.
Members of the Emporia community protested the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, expressing concerns over its environmental and water impacts. Opponents are calling for a moratorium on the project, advocating for an independent environmental impact study. The city of Emporia's Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the matter.
Residents in De Soto, Kansas, are actively opposing proposals for two new hyperscale data centers by Digital Realty and Beale Infrastructure, citing concerns over water usage, noise, and environmental impacts. They are demanding the city implement strict caps on water and power, ban tax incentives, and update noise ordinances, while the City Council is considering new regulations.
Kanza Park Place's proposed gigawatt-scale Flint Hills Digital Campus in Emporia, Kansas, is facing significant public questions and concerns regarding its construction timeline, electricity needs, and water usage. City officials and the developer are actively addressing these concerns ahead of upcoming public meetings, including a special Planning Commission meeting for a proposed zoning overlay. The project aims to bring economic benefits but also raises environmental and infrastructure questions.
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.
The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas released a Q&A document to address resident concerns regarding the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus in Emporia. The document covers potential job creation, cooling technologies, noise management, electrical demands, and the process for tax abatements, highlighting long-term economic benefits for Lyon County.
A Republican gubernatorial debate in Kansas featured candidates discussing data center regulation, with candidate Charlotte O’Hara proposing a moratorium on data centers within her first 60 days if elected. Other candidates generally favored local control and limits on data centers. The debate also covered topics such as property taxes and the Kansas City Chiefs stadium deal.
Shawnee County officials outlined the application process for potential data center and battery storage projects. While no formal applications have been filed yet, developers have expressed interest. The county emphasized that the property is already zoned for industrial use and will require a conditional use permit, which would include stipulations on light and noise pollution.
Shawnee County officials held a briefing to address public concerns about potential data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) coming to the area. While no official applications have been filed yet, county leaders proactively informed residents about water use, electricity rates, and potential sites. They emphasized wanting residents to have accurate information as discussions continue.
De Soto residents expressed strong opposition to two proposed data center developments at a city council meeting, citing concerns about excessive energy and water use and environmental pollution. Both the city administrator and a representative from Digital Realty acknowledged the community's concerns. Another company, Beal Infrastructure, is also proposing a larger data center.
El Dorado City Manager David Dilner responded to public concerns about transparency regarding a possible data center project. Residents used open records requests to uncover emails about early discussions and non-disclosure agreements, leading to a packed city commission meeting. Dilner defended the economic development process as necessarily opaque due to competition and the need for discretion for potential businesses.
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.
Beltline Energy, a data center developer, assured a large crowd in St. Marys, Kansas, that its proposed $15 billion facility would not utilize local aquifers as its main water source. The company, which is seeking local government approval in Pottawatomie County, is considering trucking water to and from the site instead.
A proposed data center project in Osawatomie, Kansas, is encountering community scrutiny as residents voice concerns regarding transparency and water usage. According to Mayor Nick Hampson, the project is still in its initial stages, with no formal permits having been filed. Discussions are ongoing to assess its potential economic benefits.
A community conversation regarding data center development was held in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, drawing a large crowd. The event signifies local interest and ongoing discussions about the project's implications for the community.
Riley County's data center moratorium officially began on May 18. This action halts new data center development within the county. The moratorium signals a significant regulatory move by the local government concerning the expansion of data infrastructure.