60 Billion USD AI Data Center Project Sparks Controversy, US Missouri Town Voters Oust Half of City Council Members

Festus, a small town in Missouri, US (population less than 14,000), recently became embroiled in controversy over a $6 billion AI data center project. Voters took action, ousting 4 out of 8 city council members and suing the municipal government for lack of transparency in decision-making.

Residents claim the government failed to give the public enough time to review the proposal, illegally rezoned land, and held private meetings on issues that should have been public. This incident is part of a nationwide backlash against AI data centers, with similar community protests recently in New Jersey and Maryland.

Additionally, AI data center expansion faces infrastructure bottlenecks—about half of the projects are delayed or canceled due to issues like power supply. Some projects have adjusted strategies to address community pressure, such as retaining agricultural zoning in Foristell, Missouri.