Jackson County Considers Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Construction Amidst Community Concerns
Jackson County, Missouri, is contemplating a temporary halt on the construction of new data centers and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sites within its unincorporated areas. This move comes in response to the rapid growth of data center developments and the associated land use, infrastructure, environmental, and public safety concerns. The proposed ordinance, introduced by Legislative Vice Chair Sean Smith, suggests a 120-day moratorium on land use applications for these facilities. This period would allow the county to update its zoning guidelines and establish stricter conditions for future projects. The ordinance also highlights the need for enhanced public notice requirements for large technology facilities. This legislative action follows a recent $6 billion tax break approved by Independence, Missouri, for a $150 billion artificial intelligence data center, which has faced significant public opposition. 
