Resident urges moratorium and stricter review of large data centers in Reno County

A resident urged Reno County commissioners on May 13 to consider a moratorium or stronger safeguards before permitting large data‑center projects.

Erin (speaker 19), who identified herself as a Bueller resident, said she attended a nearby informational symposium and found testimony from industrial hygienists and other experts “deeply concerning.” She told commissioners the projects carry long‑term risks to public health, livestock, farmland, property values and community character, and she questioned who would be responsible for cleanup or restoration if a hyperscale facility became obsolete. “Without foresight, wise and proper planning, strong safeguards, and enforceable agreements, the burden will ultimately fall on taxpayers and property owners,” Erin said.

Commissioner Don (speaker 5) said he also attended the symposium and urged commissioners to view both sides of the issue, calling the symposium “must see” and recommending the commission review the video and expert presentations before formal decisions. Other commissioners said they had received calls and emails on the subject and that they were paying attention; one commissioner summarized that the county had no current large proposals formally before the board but that the county should consider policy and regulatory approaches to protect residents if proposals arrive.

The public record at the meeting included calls for a proactive, multidisciplinary review process, transparency in planning and zoning, and clear agreements to assign responsibility for decommissioning or remediation if projects fail or move on. Commissioners did not take formal action on the request at the May 13 meeting but noted the matter will require further consideration and public outreach.