Burlison calls for balanced approach to data center concerns
Congressman Eric Burlison is advocating for a balanced approach to data center development in Southwest Missouri, urging communities to address legitimate concerns separately from fears about AI. His comments come as Joplin strengthens its development standards for large data centers, including water efficiency requirements, and Liberty Utilities proposes a special "large load" tariff for big electricity users in the state.
Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison is pushing back against what he describes as "hysteria and hype" surrounding data centers, advocating for a balanced approach that separates legitimate concerns about resource consumption from broader fears about artificial intelligence.
Speaking to Newstalk KZRG, Burlison highlighted that data centers have existed in the Ozarks for decades without public awareness. He suggested that privacy concerns related to data collection should be addressed through specific privacy laws, while resource consumption should be evaluated similar to other major industrial developments, such as aluminum smelters or golf courses.
These comments are particularly timely as Joplin, Missouri, prepares for potential large data center developments. In response, city officials have recently enhanced their development standards, now requiring large data centers to implement closed-loop cooling systems or other equally water-efficient technologies. Furthermore, electricity costs are under scrutiny, with Liberty Utilities having filed a proposed "large load" tariff with Missouri regulators. This tariff aims to establish special rates and long-term requirements for exceptionally large electricity consumers, including prospective data centers.