Adair County supervisors adopt temporary moratorium on data centers and battery storage

The Adair County Board of Supervisors on March 18 unanimously adopted Resolution #2026‑26 establishing a temporary moratorium on construction of data centers, high‑density computing facilities and battery storage facilities in the county's unincorporated areas.

Supervisor Hoadley introduced additions to a draft ordinance and urged the board to pause approvals while officials develop standards. The resolution says the pause is intended to give the board time to determine whether to impose a permanent moratorium or to draft regulations to protect nearby property rights and county roads.

Board members expressed differing views during discussion: some voiced concern about limiting development opportunities, while others said the county should act proactively after reports of challenges in neighboring jurisdictions. The board recorded a roll call vote with Hoadley, Baier, Wedemeyer, Christoffersen and Chair Jerry Walker all voting aye.

The resolution states the moratorium takes effect upon passage and remains in place until the board either adopts a permanent moratorium, passes an ordinance regulating such facilities, or rescinds the temporary moratorium. Board staff and the county engineer were directed to continue work on ordinance language and to monitor activity in the county.

The action followed a broader conversation about setbacks, enforceability under state and federal law and potential impacts on residents and property values. The board did not set a specific timeline for completing the ordinance work; next procedural steps are to draft regulation language and return to the board for consideration.