Neosho County adopts one-year moratorium on data centers and related energy facilities

The Neosho County Commission voted unanimously May 19 to adopt Resolution R-26-E, placing a one-year temporary moratorium on the acceptance of applications for the establishment, operation or expansion of data centers, nuclear power generator facilities, hydrogen-based energy facilities and battery energy storage systems in unincorporated Neosho County.

"Moratorium has been placed for 1 year," the minutes record after the motion. Chair Gail Klaassen moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Nicholas Galemore seconded; the motion passed 3-0. The resolution is identified in the record as R-26-E.

Commissioners discussed the moratorium during unfinished business as part of broader 2027 budget and planning conversations. The moratorium halts the county's formal acceptance of new applications for the listed facility types for the stated one-year period; the record does not show additional conditions, permitting criteria, or an implementing ordinance beyond the resolution's adoption. The commission did not record any separate votes or amendments to the resolution in the transcript.