Opinion: L. Michelle Moore argues for local control over data center decisions
In an opinion column, L. Michelle Moore argues that federal and state efforts to preempt local authority over artificial intelligence and data centers undermine local self-determination. She says local governments should retain control over planning, zoning and permitting decisions for data center projects.
L. Michelle Moore argues that decisions about whether and where to build data centers should remain with local governments. She frames local control as a core principle of federalism and says communities should have a meaningful role in setting conditions for development that affects residents.
Moore criticizes federal executive actions and proposed congressional legislation that would limit state and local regulation of artificial intelligence and data centers. She also cites West Virginia’s 2025 law restricting towns and counties from rejecting data centers as an example of state-level preemption, while acknowledging that local decision-making can be difficult and contentious.