Amazon investing $12 billion to build more data centers in Mississippi

Governor Tate Reeves announced an additional $12 billion investment from Amazon for two new data centers in Ridgeland and Clinton, Mississippi. This latest commitment brings Amazon's total planned investment in the state to $25 billion across four data centers, expected to create 2,000 jobs. The first two Madison County data center projects were announced in 2024, at which time the Legislature passed a $44 million incentives package. As part of the legislation, Entergy, the power provider for Amazon's facilities, received permission to construct new power generating infrastructure without the usual advance approval from the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Entergy CEO Haley Fisackerly stated that Amazon's investment enables the "Superpower Mississippi" initiative, delivering over $2 billion in customer savings. While state and local leaders, including Gov. Reeves and Amazon Web Services Vice President Roger Wehner, lauded the economic benefits and Amazon's commitment to responsible development, some Mississippians have voiced concerns. Residents expressed worries about the substantial energy and water consumption of data centers, with Amazon acknowledging these concerns and pledging to use recycled water at the Ridgeland site and no water in Clinton. The xAI facility in Southaven was also cited as a source of controversy due to its electricity generation plans, highlighting broader community apprehension about data center development in the state.