FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Webster County Commission Issues Statement Regarding Temporary Development Moratorium
WEBSTER COUNTY, MISSOURI — June 16, 2026 — Based on public input and after seeking advice, the Webster County Commission adopted a temporary six-month moratorium relating to certain developments in the unincorporated areas of Webster County, including data centers, solar energy systems, wind energy conversion systems, and battery energy storage systems.
Full text of the Order can be found HERE.
The purpose of the proposed moratorium is not to stop any project that is already under construction. The County is aware of the data center development currently under construction in the Rifle Range Road area. Based on the information presently available, the County does not intend to use the proposed moratorium as a basis to halt that project, and the County recognizes that its legal authority with respect to a project already under construction is limited.
At the same time, the Commission believes it is appropriate and responsible to pause future development of other potential projects for a limited period while the County studies their potential impacts. Webster County does not currently have countywide planning and zoning. As a result, the County must carefully evaluate what tools, if any, are legally available and appropriate to address issues such as public health and safety, emergency response, stormwater runoff, noise, water and electrical usage, effects on neighboring properties, and impacts on local infrastructure.
The proposed moratorium is intended to give the County time to gather information, consult with experts and legal counsel, communicate with utility providers and emergency responders, hear from residents and property owners, and consider reasonable options for future projects. The County’s goal is to balance the interests of residents, landowners, developers, businesses, and the broader public.
“The Commission understands that these issues involve competing interests,” the County Commission stated. “We recognize that the right to own and use private property is a fundamental constitutional right, and any action taken by this Commission must respect that right. At the same time, we take seriously the concerns of our residents regarding public health, safety, infrastructure, and emergency management. Webster County has always believed in limited, responsible government that does not regulate beyond what is truly necessary. This temporary moratorium is not intended to expand government authority or prejudge any particular project-it is simply a measured step to ensure we have the information needed to act wisely, fairly, and with the least intrusion necessary.”
The Commission emphasizes that no final long-term regulatory framework has been adopted. During the moratorium period, the County will study available options and consider whether any future regulations are legally permissible, practical, and in the best interests of Webster County.
Residents and interested stakeholders are encouraged to follow County Commission meetings and participate in the public process as these issues are reviewed.
