Parsi unveils data center bill ahead of WV’s 2nd District race
Democratic nominee Ace Parsi has unveiled the "Neighbors, Not Servers Act," a proposed federal bill to implement a nationwide pause on new data centers until environmental and community impact studies are completed. The bill would also require local approval for future data centers and mandate public disclosure of water/power usage and tax breaks.
Democratic nominee for West Virginia's Second Congressional District, Ace Parsi, has introduced a legislative proposal called the "Neighbors, Not Servers Act," which he intends to present if elected to the House. The bill aims to empower local communities regarding data center development, shifting control from companies to residents.
Key provisions of the proposed bill include a nationwide moratorium on new data center construction. This pause would remain in effect until the federal government conducts a comprehensive study on the environmental and community impacts of these facilities. Furthermore, the legislation would mandate that all future data center projects obtain local approval, either through direct action by local governments or via community referendums, before any permits or authorizations are granted.
Parsi also emphasized that his bill would address transparency issues in data center deals. It would prohibit non-disclosure agreements between developers and public officials and require companies to publicly disclose critical information, such as water usage, power demands, and any tax incentives, prior to a community vote. Parsi clarified that these new requirements would only apply to future projects and would not impact data centers already built or currently under construction in West Virginia. His Republican opponent, incumbent Congressman Riley Moore, has yet to comment on the proposed legislation.