JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) -A state task force examining data center development heard from local mayors and industry representatives Monday, with several city leaders urging lawmakers not to impose new regulations on projects already moving forward under local oversight.
Mayors defend local control
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee acknowledged public skepticism but said city officials have worked to address it.
“There’s a lot of rumors out there and concerns about data centers,” McGee said. He urged the task force to preserve local decision-making authority. “Don’t put us in a position where we can’t make decisions on our own and what’s best for our city. And I think any city needs to have that.”
Brandon Mayor Butch Lee echoed that sentiment. “I would ask that you just consider not to try to micromanage it,” Lee said.
Industry and cities align on regulatory stance
Andrea Hutchins of AWS’s economic development team called on lawmakers to avoid disrupting existing frameworks…