Fact check: What are U.S. Senate candidates’ stances on data centers in KS race?
Data centers have become a polarizing issue in Kansas politics, with both US Senate candidates, Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton, expressing skepticism. They cite concerns over energy and water use and oppose tax breaks, emphasizing the importance of local decision-making. Several counties have enacted moratoriums on such developments.
The Kansas City Star reports that data center development has emerged as a deeply divisive issue in Kansas, particularly relevant to the state's upcoming U.S. Senate election. While some communities consider data center projects for tax revenue, others are actively pursuing outright bans. Both incumbent Senator Roger Marshall and his challenger, Rev. Adam Hamilton, have voiced skepticism regarding these developments.
Senator Marshall, a Republican seeking re-election, has acknowledged "reasonable" public concerns over data centers' significant energy and water consumption. He noted that numerous Kansas counties have implemented moratoriums, which he supports, stating the need for these issues to be resolved before tax breaks are granted to a sector that provides few permanent jobs.
Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton shares similar reservations, advocating against tax incentives for large corporations building data centers, citing concerns about increased energy costs and water depletion. Hamilton emphasized that the decision to approve or reject such projects should rest entirely with local communities, asserting that data centers should bear their full costs.
The article also delves into the federal legislative landscape affecting data centers. It highlights former President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which expanded tax benefits for tech companies, including data center developers in rural areas, through mechanisms like 100% bonus depreciation. Congressional Democrats have since introduced legislation aimed at eliminating these specific tax breaks for data center developers, a move that Senator Marshall, a staunch supporter of Trump's bill, opposes.