Residents Oppose Data Center Projects in New York and Missouri
Community members in Massena, New York, and Liberty, Missouri, are protesting proposed data center developments over environmental and financial concerns.
Residents in New York and Missouri are opposing the development of large-scale data centers, citing environmental risks and a lack of transparency in government deals. In Massena, New York, more than 50 people, including members of the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, attended a May 20 town board meeting to protest a proposed 635-megawatt project at the former Alcoa East plant. Sam Carbone, the Deputy Supervisor of Massena, declared that using river water for cooling the facility was a "non-starter." Carbone stated that a project website is necessary to provide information and combat misinformation, noting that the meeting was the first step in a larger process.
Separately, in Liberty, Missouri, locals are protesting a MetroBloks data center development. The project received approval for $1.4 billion in bonds and over $200 million in tax abatements from the city. Critics argue the agreement lacks transparency and offers minimal benefits to the community. City Administrator Curt Wenson defended the project, citing specific water usage limits and assurances from Evergy that the center's electrical demand would not lead to increased utility rates for residents.
