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Residents urge moratorium on data centers; battery storage developer offers outreach
Summary
Public commenters at the Leavenworth County meeting raised health, water and traffic concerns about proposed data centers and urged more research or a moratorium; a separate developer described a possible battery energy storage project near Stranger Creek substation and emphasized community engagement.
Several residents used the public comment period to express opposition to data center development and to call for more study or a temporary moratorium. Ted Grenier described worry about electromagnetic fields and noise and urged caution and additional research. "We need to be looking at — we need more research on what the ramifications are of a data center," he said.
A county official noted nearby jurisdictions have adopted moratoriums; the chair referenced recent moratorium actions in Saline, Sedgwick and other counties and mentioned a proposed three‑year moratorium in the state legislature. Kevin Grow said some outside entities provide only positive information and urged residents to continue collecting and presenting facts.
Separately, EJ Fike from Vesper Energy introduced himself and said the company is exploring a battery energy storage system adjacent to the Stranger Creek substation near New Prairie/High Prairie Road. Fike stressed there are no immediate plans to build and offered to hold study sessions and community meetings to share information and address concerns.
Speakers urged commissioners to proceed cautiously on large industrial projects and to ensure adequate public notice and technical review of water, traffic and health implications before permitting major developments.
