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Advocates urge temporary pause on hyperscale AI data centers until state sets standards
Summary
Environmental and consumer advocates told the task force that Mississippi should consider a temporary moratorium on large hyperscale AI data centers until transparent, enforceable standards for energy, water, air, and community impacts are adopted.
Jim Walsh, policy director at Food and Water Watch, told the task force "My recommendation is to put a pause on, on approvals of large scale, hyperscale data centers until the state adopts clear standards." He outlined concerns about electricity demand, backup generation emissions, noise, water use and the potential that industry timelines and nondisclosure agreements can preempt public review.
Walsh cited national estimates and the need to evaluate cumulative impacts rather than treating each facility in isolation. "Existing households and small businesses should not be used as a back stop for these private infrastructure bets that big tech is making," he said. He recommended prohibiting nondisclosure agreements that prevent community access to key water and energy procurement information and urged the task force to examine moratoria used by other states and municipalities as a tool to study impacts before further approvals.
