Voters in Festus, Missouri, ousted every incumbent city council member running for re-election last week following the council's recent approval of a massive data center development.
The decision to approve the project by CRG Acquisition, LLC, came during a March 30 meeting. The developer intends to invest a minimum of $6 billion into the project, according to official council minutes.
Local backlash over transparency
New council member-elect Rick Belleville told Politico that the handling of the deal triggered the local uprising. "I ran because I thought the city was not listening to people," Belleville said.
Belleville previously used social media to call for more transparency and a platform to ensure residents' voices are heard. The recent election results suggest the community has taken a direct approach to seeking accountability.
The approved documents state the developer will follow EPA Tier 4 generator standards, prioritizing natural gas or low-sulfur diesel. Residents living near similar projects have expressed health concerns regarding air quality.
In South Memphis, Tennessee, an xAI-operated data center has faced criticism for potential nitrogen oxide pollution. One resident at a public hearing told Politico, "I can’t breathe at home, it smells like gas outside."
The political shift in Festus mirrors similar movements in other regions. In Port Washington, Wisconsin, voters recently passed a referendum to restrict future data center construction.
Data center power demand is projected to triple over the next five years. This rapid expansion is driving localized political resistance in towns across the United States.
