The Journal. A Data Center Revolt in Missouri
98 snips
May 7, 2026 A small Missouri town erupts over a proposed $6 billion AI data center and the local political fallout that follows. Residents uncover records, organize, and successfully remove officials who supported the plan. The conversation explores how community pushback, water and property concerns, and local zoning fights are reshaping where data centers get built.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Demand Is Fueling A Speculative Data Center Boom
- AI demand is a primary driver of the nationwide data-center construction boom.
- Developers build sites first hoping a major tenant like Amazon, Google, or Meta will later occupy the facility, fueling speculative large projects.
Developer Shifted Site To Festus After Local Pushback
- CRG moved its proposed $6 billion Festus data-center plan after facing opposition in another St. Louis suburb.
- The company targeted 300 acres near an interstate with power lines — classic site-selection criteria that sparked local alarm.
Leaked Messages Turned Residents Into Activists
- Festus residents discovered internal messages suggesting officials mocked opponents and tried to hide details, which galvanized opposition.
- Jokes calling opponents a "sideshow of uneducated people" became viral rallying memes in the town's Facebook groups.