Reno County residents demand moratorium on data centers, battery storage facilities
Commissioners face petitions, weigh potential ban amid concerns over water usage and fire risks
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Facing mounting public pressure over potential industrial tech development, the Republican-led Reno County Commission is weighing whether to halt the arrival of data centers and battery energy storage systems after residents delivered a petition with 875 signatures opposing the facilities. During a crowded Wednesday meeting, community members urged county leaders to enact a moratorium, citing concerns over the projects' water consumption, fire risks and potential depletion of the Equus Beds Aquifer.
Buhler-area resident Susie Ratzlaff presented the petition, demanding the county pause approvals until comprehensive studies on environmental and economic impacts can be completed. Several other speakers, including retired physician Dr. Dawn Varney, echoed those concerns, warning that data centers would drain local water supplies and offer limited permanent jobs, while battery installations pose fire and chemical hazards that local emergency crews may be unprepared to handle.
County officials emphasized that no formal applications for data centers or battery storage facilities have been filed in unincorporated Reno County, though preliminary discussions are underway. Commissioners discussed the proposals, with one expressing reservations about the projects and another defending the county's use of non-disclosure agreements during early economic development talks. The commission's discussion centered on conducting proper due diligence before bringing projects forward for public votes.
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