Mississippi senator urges statewide rules before data center growth
Mississippi State Senator Hillman Frazier is advocating for statewide rules on data center development, citing concerns over energy and water consumption. His push follows a recently approved 183-day moratorium on new data center approvals by the Jackson City Council in response to local community questions. Frazier plans to collaborate with various stakeholders to establish policies addressing transparency and incentives.
State Sen. Hillman Frazier (D-Jackson) has called for Mississippi lawmakers to establish comprehensive statewide regulations for data center development, according to a guest essay published in Mississippi Today Ideas. Frazier's remarks come in the wake of significant community concern in his Senate District 27, where residents have voiced questions about a proposed data center in Jackson and demanded greater transparency.
The Jackson City Council, under the leadership of Councilman Brian Grizzell, recently enacted a 183-day moratorium on new data center approvals, allowing city officials additional time to craft local development plans. Frazier emphasized the public's right to clear information and standards for projects that could strain the electric grid, consume substantial water resources, and significantly alter communities.
Frazier highlighted policy precedents from other states, including North Carolina's repeal of sales tax exemptions for data center electricity, Florida's legislation on data center water use, and Texas's discussions about ending certain tax exemptions, as models for Mississippi to consider. He urged legislators to re-evaluate incentives, mandate increased transparency regarding energy and water consumption, and provide honest assessments of permanent job creation and cost accountability.
Representing Senate District 27 in Hinds County since 1993, Frazier stated his intention to collaborate with local residents, bipartisan colleagues, local leaders, utility experts, and business figures to formulate effective statewide policies.