Stop the Bluestem Data Center and Power Plant in Tonganoxie
The Issue
A huge industrial project could soon be built just outside Tonganoxie, Kansas, and the people who live there are saying no.
The proposed Bluestem project would pair a hyperscale data center with its own power plant. Local resident Rebecca Davis told KMBC 9 News that it would cover about 1,000 acres and use 1.2 gigawatts of power. Citizens Against Bluestem, a local group fighting the project, says the site is within 1.5 miles of three schools, a daycare, and a nursing home.
That puts kids in their classrooms, babies at daycare, and older adults in care right next door to a massive facility that would run day and night. Residents have raised concerns about water safety, noise, and air pollution. The group also says the developers haven't been open with the town about the project.
"It's the secrets, you know, the whole story changes with that," said Dee Karleskint, president of Citizens Against Bluestem, speaking to KMBC 9 News.
Tonganoxie isn't staying quiet. Organizers say more than 1,000 people came to an earlier rally, and hundreds of residents turned out again on Sunday.
The Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners has the power to protect these families. Commissioners should reject the Bluestem data center and power plant, and keep heavy industry like this away from the places where Tonganoxie's children and seniors spend their days.
Sign the petition to tell Leavenworth County leaders: no Bluestem data center in Tonganoxie, before a final decision locks it in.
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The Issue
A huge industrial project could soon be built just outside Tonganoxie, Kansas, and the people who live there are saying no.
The proposed Bluestem project would pair a hyperscale data center with its own power plant. Local resident Rebecca Davis told KMBC 9 News that it would cover about 1,000 acres and use 1.2 gigawatts of power. Citizens Against Bluestem, a local group fighting the project, says the site is within 1.5 miles of three schools, a daycare, and a nursing home.
That puts kids in their classrooms, babies at daycare, and older adults in care right next door to a massive facility that would run day and night. Residents have raised concerns about water safety, noise, and air pollution. The group also says the developers haven't been open with the town about the project.
"It's the secrets, you know, the whole story changes with that," said Dee Karleskint, president of Citizens Against Bluestem, speaking to KMBC 9 News.
Tonganoxie isn't staying quiet. Organizers say more than 1,000 people came to an earlier rally, and hundreds of residents turned out again on Sunday.
The Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners has the power to protect these families. Commissioners should reject the Bluestem data center and power plant, and keep heavy industry like this away from the places where Tonganoxie's children and seniors spend their days.
Sign the petition to tell Leavenworth County leaders: no Bluestem data center in Tonganoxie, before a final decision locks it in.
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Petition created on October 5, 2026