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Coffey County imposes one-year moratorium on data centers and battery storage; vote 4–1
Summary
The Coffey County Commission voted 4–1 on May 4, 2026, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-977, imposing a one-year prohibition on data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) pending further study of land-use and safety implications.
The Coffey County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 on May 4 to adopt Resolution No. 2026-977, imposing a one-year prohibition on new data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Coffey County, Kansas.
Commissioner Steve McCurry moved for approval; Commissioner Michael Abendroth seconded the motion. Commissioner Todd Barker voted no; Commissioners Mark Petterson and Wayde Thomsen joined the majority. The resolution was described in the minutes as “A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A ONE-YEAR PROHIBITION OF DATA CENTERS AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) IN COFFEY COUNTY, KANSAS.”
County minutes do not record extended debate or the specific findings that led to the prohibition; the motion passed after the change-order discussion on the agenda. The record in the minutes indicates the Board will use the moratorium period to evaluate policy, permitting and potential regulatory or safety requirements.
The resolution is limited in duration to one year; the minutes do not specify immediate regulatory mechanisms, penalties, or an enforcement schedule beyond the adoption of the moratorium itself. The minutes also do not list any staff assignments or interim reporting deadlines resulting from the action.
Next steps described in the minutes: none were specified beyond the board’s adoption of the resolution. Any searches for related permitting changes, studies, or ordinance amendments must reference Resolution No. 2026-977 or subsequent Coffey County Commission meeting minutes for follow-up actions.
