A foreign tech company is about to reshape Independence, Missouri—without our consent. Nebius, a European AI cloud firm, is planning a $6.6 billion data center complex on over 400 acres of local land. The project is being rushed forward with no public vote, minimal transparency, and major environmental risks. We deserve a say.

The data center will run 24/7 and require a new private power plant—built at the old Blue Valley site—to operate. But what kind of energy will fuel it? City officials haven’t said. We do know it could draw up to 800 megawatts of power, more than many cities consume, and strain local water systems while producing constant low-frequency noise pollution. This project could increase air pollution from diesel backup generators and reintroduce fossil fuel emissions to our community, threatening public health, especially for kids and seniors nearby.

We’ve been told this will create tax revenue and some permanent jobs— about 125—with no clear plan to prioritize local workers. Promises are vague, and residents have been burned by big projects before. What about the long-term impact on our air, water, roads, and neighborhoods? What about transparency? What about our right to shape the future of our city?

We call on the Independence City Council, Mayor Rory Rowland, and Jackson County officials to halt all approvals and site work immediately until a full environmental impact study is completed and public hearings are held. This includes full disclosure of the power source, air quality modeling, water usage data, and noise impact studies.

Independence shouldn’t be a testing ground for risky tech infrastructure. If this project moves forward, it should be only with informed consent, environmental safeguards, and community benefit—not on the backs of residents left in the dark.

Sign if you believe this project must be paused, studied, and debated—before it's too late.