Kansas Counties Halt Data Center, Renewable Energy Projects Over Resource and Safety Concerns

Kansas Sees Balanced Migration as Neighbors Nebraska, Oklahoma Lose Residents

Federal SNAP Work Requirements Force Kansas to Seek $4 Million for Compliance

Ground Beef Prices Double as Strong Protein Demand Meets Tight Supply Across State

Brief Warm-Up Tuesday Precedes Second Cold Front Expected to Bring Snow Statewide Friday

Kansas Counties Halt Data Center, Renewable Energy Projects Over Resource and Safety Concerns

A growing number of Kansas counties are delaying or rejecting data center, solar and battery storage projects, reflecting tensions between energy infrastructure development and local concerns about resources and safety. Harvey County commissioners approved a moratorium on data centers through 2028, citing concerns about water and electricity consumption, while Shawnee County planning commissioners deferred action on solar regulations to consider public testimony. In Saline County, commissioners voted 4-1 to reject a battery energy storage system near Salina after residents submitted protest petitions representing more than 3,800 acres. Sumner County commissioners unanimously rejected NextEra Energy's proposed 300 MW Webb Road Energy Storage facility in December after nearly 100 residents attended a public meeting to oppose the project. A Columbia University study found a 111% increase in state-level renewable energy restrictions over the past year, while a Heatmap poll found 44% of Americans would welcome a data center in their community.

Kansas Counties Delay Action on Data Centers, Renewable Energy Projects

Local governing bodies pause or reject proposals amid competing concerns over resources, safety and economic development

citizen journalGreg Loving

Kansas Sees Balanced Migration as Neighbors Nebraska, Oklahoma Lose Residents

Kansas saw roughly balanced migration over the past year, with 48% of interstate moves coming into the state and 52% leaving, according to the latest Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns Study released this month. The study, which tracked moves between November 2024 and October 2025, found Nebraska and Oklahoma lost residents at higher rates, with outbound moves exceeding inbound by 12% or more. Missouri and Colorado showed similar balanced patterns to Kansas. The study concluded overall mobility nationwide remains low primarily due to reduced home affordability, limited housing inventory and high ownership costs. Arkansas led the nation in attracting new residents, with 68% inbound moves, while Louisiana saw the greatest exodus at 66% outbound.

CJ Online

Federal SNAP Work Requirements Force Kansas to Seek $4 Million for Compliance

Kansas taxpayers may have to pay $4 million to implement heightened work requirements for the food stamp program imposed by the federal government, according to the governor's budget director. Adam Proffitt, who also serves as secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration, told lawmakers on Jan. 14 that the federal government's "shifting landscape" has affected the state budget, including provisions for more stringent work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in H.R. 1, the federal budget reconciliation law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Gov. Laura Kelly added the $4 million to her budget proposal for the Kansas Department for Children and Families to administer the changes and ensure compliance with the increased work requirements.

CJ Online

Ground Beef Prices Double as Strong Protein Demand Meets Tight Supply Across State

Kansas cattle supplies are strained following years of drought and economic pressures that have reduced herds, driving beef prices sharply higher for restaurants and consumers alike. Steve Stratford, assistant manager at Pratt Livestock and a cattle producer, said lower inventory combined with strong demand for protein is pushing prices up, though beef remains popular. Local restaurants are feeling the impact: Jeremy Snyder, owner of Local Flavor in Wichita, said ground beef that cost $2.50 a pound a year or two ago now runs close to $5, and menu prices cannot keep pace with increases of 100% to 200%. Consumers are also adjusting their purchases, with one Wichita resident noting oxtail that once cost $2.99 to $4.99 a pound now sells for $15.99.

KWCH

Brief Warm-Up Tuesday Precedes Second Cold Front Expected to Bring Snow Statewide Friday

Light snow is moving across western Kansas this morning with colder temperatures arriving statewide. Accumulation is expected to range from a trace to 2 inches in western Kansas, with most locations seeing the lower end, before snow diminishes by early afternoon. High temperatures today will only reach the low to mid 30s across the state. A rapid warm-up is expected Tuesday as gusty south winds bring highs into the low to mid 50s, with temperatures remaining near average Wednesday and Thursday in the mid to upper 40s. Attention then turns to a second Arctic cold front arriving Friday, bringing sharply colder temperatures through next weekend and the possibility of snow statewide Friday and Saturday, though the exact timing and track may shift.

KWCH

Sources

1. CJ Online: https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/state/2026/01/19/are-more-people-moving-into-or-away-from-kansas-what-this-study-found/88159021007/
2. CJ Online: https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2026/01/19/why-new-snap-work-requirements-could-cost-kansas-taxpayers-4-million/88179498007/
3. KWCH: https://www.kwch.com/2026/01/18/kansas-cattle-producer-restaurant-weigh-thinning-cattle-supply/
4. KWCH: https://www.kwch.com/2026/01/18/light-snow-western-kansas-colder-monday/

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