Festus
Coverage of Festus in the Nexus archive.
- Here’s what communities can do when data centers arrive
Communities across the U.S. are navigating decisions about multibillion-dollar data center proposals, balancing economic opportunities with concerns about resources and infrastructure. Experts recommend proactive planning, model regulations, and community benefits agreements to ensure equitable outcomes.
- Where legislatures lag, local officials are stopping data centers altogether
Local officials in Missouri suburbs are halting data center projects through bans and contentious measures as state legislatures struggle to regulate their rapid expansion. The growth of hyperscale data centers, driven by cloud computing and AI, has sparked public protests and debates over energy and water usage, with Missouri lawmakers proposing bills to address regulatory gaps.
- ‘They’re already here’: Regulating data centers stalls in Missouri
Missouri and other states are struggling to regulate rapidly expanding hyperscale data centers, leading to failed legislation, local moratoriums, and divisive elections. Communities in St. Charles, Festus, and Independence have taken opposing stances on data center projects, highlighting nationwide challenges in managing energy and water use associated with these facilities.