State representative requests hearing on data center regulations
State Rep. Tricia Byrnes held a press conference to discuss proposed state legislation, the Missouri Data Center Community Accountability Act, aimed at increasing transparency and regulation for data center projects. A public hearing is scheduled in Jefferson City for Missourians to voice concerns about issues like tax abatements, water contamination, and noise pollution. Residents from Montgomery County expressed strong opposition to current data center developments.
State Representative Tricia Byrnes held a press conference at Wentzville City Hall on June 23 to announce proposed legislation, the Missouri Data Center Community Accountability Act, aimed at increasing transparency and regulatory oversight for data center projects across the state. The legislation seeks to address concerns over the rapid proliferation of large-scale data centers, which Byrnes stated are often evaluated by local communities without adequate independent expertise, transparency, or public participation. She emphasized that data center developments involve billions in infrastructure, significant land changes, and long-term utility commitments.
A public hearing on data center issues is scheduled for September 16 in Jefferson City, following Byrnes' request to Jonathan Patterson, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. As chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, Byrnes highlighted the importance of this hearing to allow Missourians to voice their opinions and potentially spur local action even before state-level legislation is enacted. The press conference, originally planned for Graham Cave State Park, was moved after Byrnes was informed she could not assemble the press on public property.
Two Montgomery County residents, farmer Harry Cope and Preserve Montgomery County member Tom Westhoff, spoke at the press conference. Cope, who is running for Presiding Commissioner, criticized the substantial tax abatements granted to large tech companies, stating he doesn't understand why a "two trillion dollar company" would receive a 75 percent personal property tax abatement. Westhoff underscored risks such as water contamination and noise pollution, advocating for more regulations and protections for citizens, noting that current data centers are "new, large and essentially unregulated." The proposed act includes provisions for legislative findings, independent feasibility studies, noise and operational standards, and water permit requirements.