Joplin councilman challenges data center critics to bring facts, not fear

"Fear is not data."

Joplin City Councilman Brian Cowles is defending the city’s approach to a proposed data center, saying concerns deserve serious examination but should be supported by credible evidence.

Cowles’ statement comes days after the Joplin City Council unanimously approved new development standards governing future data centers. The rules address noise, water use, wastewater, air emissions, backup generators, setbacks and utility infrastructure.

Cowles said the development remains only a proposal and that questions about its effects on water, electricity, infrastructure, the environment and neighboring properties are still being studied.

“There is a big difference between asking questions about what could happen and declaring that something will happen before the studies are complete,” Cowles wrote.

Under the regulations approved Monday, data centers must use closed-loop cooling or another system designed to reduce water consumption.

Developers must disclose expected water use and maximum electrical demand and obtain confirmation from utility providers that sufficient capacity is available.

If utility improvements are required, the developer and end user—not existing customers—must cover those costs. Documentation must also show that the expense will not be recovered through higher rates, fees or surcharges charged to other utility customers.

The ordinance limits noise to 45 decibels at property lines next to residential uses and requires testing to document sound levels before construction.

Backup generators must meet specified emissions standards, while facilities must comply with state and federal air-quality requirements. The ordinance also requires wastewater pretreatment and testing for pollutants.

The council removed an earlier requirement that each data center obtain a special use permit. The standards will instead be enforced through the city’s zoning and permitting process.

Cowles said he has spent more than a year researching the industry, including visiting two data centers, attending the Missouri Data Center Summit and speaking with industry representatives.

He said he is willing to reconsider his position if evidence shows the proposed facility would burden taxpayers, increase utility bills or create an environmental danger.

However, Cowles criticized opponents who rely on social media posts, online videos and information repeated by activists.

“A Facebook post is not an engineering study,” Cowles wrote. “Repetition is not evidence. Fear is not data.”

Cowles also pointed to the project’s projected economic benefits.

Information presented to city officials indicates construction could involve approximately 1,500 to 2,000 workers. Once operating, the development could reportedly support between 300 and 500 full-time positions, potentially approaching 1,000 after a complete buildout.

Those positions have been projected to pay more than $100,000 annually. Cowles emphasized that the employment and salary figures are projections—not guarantees.

The proposed cooling system would reportedly require an initial fill of about 2 million gallons, followed by daily water use measured in the tens of thousands of gallons rather than millions.

Cowles acknowledged the facility would require a substantial amount of electricity. He said officials have discussed the possibility of associating roughly half of the anticipated demand with solar generation, though power generation and infrastructure needs remain under review.

“I wasn’t elected to follow the loudest voice,” Cowles wrote. “I was elected to listen, do my homework, ask questions, think for myself, and make the decision that I believe is best for Joplin.”