City Council says no Jackson data centers until regulations are in place
Jackson City Council will not approve any data center projects until new regulations are in place, despite tabling a proposed six-month moratorium. A recent public hearing saw strong opposition from residents concerned about the environmental and utility impacts of data centers, specifically a proposed project by Saxum Investments. Council members are currently drafting these new regulations.
The Jackson City Council announced it would not approve any data center projects until a regulatory framework for these facilities is established. City Council President Brian Grizzell confirmed that proposed regulations are being drafted, with public hearings anticipated to begin in late July.
A proposed six-month moratorium on data centers was tabled, but the council's firm stance means no new developments will proceed without clear guidelines. A recent public hearing on data centers drew over 80 attendees, with more than 20 speakers predominantly expressing support for stricter regulations or outright opposition to potential projects.
Residents, including Thomas Cheddum Jr. and Erin Shirley Orey, voiced significant concerns about the environmental impact and the strain on existing water and power utilities, citing Jackson's past water crisis. Developer Saxum Investments, a New Jersey-based firm, has applied to rezone 230 acres in northwest Jackson from residential and commercial to industrial use to attract a data center. However, the planning board hearing for this rezoning will not take place until the city's new regulations are passed.
While local officials and economic developers highlight the potential for billions in investment and job creation from data centers, residents like Wade Brown questioned the overall benefit compared to potential downsides. Jackson is among several Mississippi cities, including Clinton and Ridgeland, that are considering or have already implemented data center regulations.