Burlison blames China for hate against data centers
Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison downplayed concerns about data centers' water consumption in the region, emphasizing their economic benefits. He suggested foreign actors, including China, are influencing public opinion against these facilities. Burlison also addressed federal spending oversight and his opposition to renewing certain FISA surveillance authorities.
Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison, a Republican, asserted during an interview on Newstalk KZRG's Morning Newswatch that apprehensions regarding data centers' water usage in the region are exaggerated. Burlison emphasized the economic advantages that data centers can bring to communities, citing a facility in McDonald County that he said generates substantial local tax revenue with minimal impact on residents.
The congressman countered claims of excessive water consumption by data centers, stating that many modern facilities employ closed-loop cooling systems that require minimal ongoing water. He compared their water use to