Leavenworth County rejects moratorium on data-center applications after heated public testimony

The Leavenworth County Commission on Monday considered Resolution 2026-13, a proposal to extend a moratorium on new data-center applications in unincorporated parts of the county but did not adopt it after a divided vote.

Residents and community groups filled the meeting to oppose rapid project approvals and press for more studies. Andrea Bradfield argued that Project Bluestem could require electricity at a scale comparable to a major city and urged a two-year pause so the county could assess water, noise and long-term fiscal impacts. "Give this community the time to get it right," Bradfield said. Several other speakers called for independent environmental, acoustical and chemical disclosures before approvals.

Commissioners debated timing and political context. The chair proposed a moratorium through Jan. 31 to allow the incoming commission to review applications, but the motion failed after back-and-forth about whether a lame-duck board should make long-term land-use decisions. The meeting record shows commissioners moved, discussed and voted, but the resolution did not carry. The county attorney clarified that, absent an extended moratorium, existing temporary restrictions will expire next week for items not separately continued.

The debate followed public safety and environmental concerns raised throughout the meeting, including requests for independent peer review of developer studies and legally enforceable conditions if projects move forward. The commission accepted a motion to move on to other business; staff said they would continue to post information and answer questions via an upcoming website and planned virtual town halls.