GOP Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan on Canada's retaliatory tariffs, data center bill
Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett introduced a federal bill aimed at preventing federal government interference in local data center siting and zoning decisions. The legislation also seeks to prohibit federal officials from signing non-disclosure agreements related to data center projects. Additionally, he discussed the SPEED Act which would streamline environmental reviews for various infrastructure projects.
Republican Congressman Tom Barrett of Michigan introduced a new House bill aimed at preventing federal government overreach in local data center debates. The bill proposes to prohibit federal agencies from overriding local control on data center siting and zoning decisions and would block the use of federal funds to challenge local efforts in this area. Furthermore, the legislation would prohibit federal officials, including members of Congress, from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) concerning data center issues, a practice that environmental activist Erin Brockovich has criticized as a "cloak of secrecy."
Congressman Barrett also discussed his support for the SPEED Act, a broader permitting reform bill designed to streamline environmental reviews for various development and innovation projects, not specifically data centers. He cited an example of a local road commission facing significant environmental oversight burdens to replace a simple culvert, illustrating the need for permitting reform. Barrett emphasized the importance of leaving data center siting decisions with local communities.