An unexpected coalition has emerged to fight data centers in rural America. Politicians, take heed.

By: Max McCoy

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: June 28, 2026

Words: 2,558

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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Who do you trust?

That was the question during a six-hour meeting June 23 of the Emporia Planning Commission, most of which was taken up with a public hearing about a proposed data center.

More than 400 people attended the event at the W.L. White Auditorium, a space known mostly for basketball games and graduation ceremonies. They sat in hard-backed chairs on the hardwood of the basketball court, and those who wanted to speak were …

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