AI task force holds first hearing on data centers, energy
The AI Regulation Task Force heard from companies, regulators and residents in its opening hearing. Rep. Jill Ford of Madison, who co‑chairs the panel with Sen. Bart Williams of Starkville, said data centers "present enormous opportunities for Mississippi" but "raise important questions about infrastructure, energy, water, workforce, and environmental stewardship." She said the task force would "hear every perspective before making recommendations."
Among those who testified were Chris Wells, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and Public Service Commissioners Wayne Carr and De'Keither Stamps. Testimony covered the strain large data centers can place on the state's power grid and water supply, the workforce and economic development they could bring, and the environmental oversight such facilities would require.
The panel is expected to continue gathering testimony before issuing recommendations to the Legislature.