Scott Colom calls for temporary data center ban in Mississippi

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom has called for a temporary ban on new data center construction in Mississippi. Colom, who is challenging incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith, argues that the consequences of data centers are already impacting residents through increased power bills and local community changes.

Colom proposed several conditions that must be met before new construction proceeds, including requirements for data centers to be self-funding and increased transparency regarding development deals. He stated a moratorium would allow the state to study the impacts and establish necessary regulations.

Mississippi currently has seven data center projects under construction, supported by Governor Tate Reeves. The proposal follows growing scrutiny of data center development, including local opposition in the town of Walls. Other states, such as New York and Texas, have previously implemented moratoriums or pauses on data center approvals to conduct audits and reviews.