Politicians in Missouri aren't listening to us while data centers impact our quality of life.  Here's my plan: 

A Data Center Bill of Rights

Data centers are being proposed at a size and speed our communities have never seen before. We should not rush into deals before we understand what they will mean for our water, power bills, neighborhoods, and tax dollars.

Before a major data center is approved, the public deserves answers, and strong protections should already be in place.

These are the rights I believe every community deserves.

1. THE RIGHT TO PROTECT OUR TAX DOLLARS

Data centers should pay their own way. Towns and cities should not use public tax dollars or give special tax breaks to help some of the world's largest and most profitable companies build data centers.

2. THE RIGHT TO PROTECT OUR WATER SUPPLY

Our drinking water comes first. Data centers should use closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling wherever possible to reduce the need for fresh water and limit wastewater.

Before a project is approved, the public should know how much water it will use, where that water will come from, what chemicals will be added, and what will be discharged.

3. THE RIGHT TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE POWER

Families and small businesses should not pay more because a data center needs huge amounts of electricity.

Data centers should pay for the extra power lines, substations, and other upgrades they need. Their power use should not make our electric grid less reliable.

4. THE RIGHT TO PEACE AND QUIET

No one should have to live with a constant industrial hum. Data centers should have strict noise limits that protect nearby homes, including from the low hum and vibration that basic noise tests can miss.

Those rules should be enforced, with real penalties when companies break them.

5. THE RIGHT TO PROTECT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

Huge data centers should not be built right next to homes, schools, or parks.

The bigger the facility and its impact, the more space and protection there should be between the data center and the people who live nearby.

6. THE RIGHT TO KNOW BEFORE THE DEAL IS DONE

No secret deals. Public officials should not sign NDAs that keep important information about a proposed data center hidden from the people they represent.

Residents should know the size and location of a project, how much water and power it will need, what public costs or tax breaks are involved, and how it may affect the community before major decisions are made.

7. THE RIGHT TO RULES THAT MATCH THE SIZE AND SCALE

A 50-megawatt data center and a massive hyperscale campus are not the same thing. They should not be treated as if they are.

The bigger the project, and the more power, water, and land it needs, the stronger the protections should be.

8. THE RIGHT TO HOLD COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE

Promises should still matter after construction begins.

Data centers should have to track and report their water use, power use, and noise. If a company breaks the rules, there should be real penalties and a clear plan to fix the problem.

Responsible Growth. Strong Communities.

We don't have to choose between economic development and protecting the people who live here.

Data centers that want to be part of our community should pay their own way, protect our resources, follow the rules, and be good neighbors.

Here’s my plan:

• Support Respect MO Voters in their plan to protect the Voter Initiative Process in Missouri

• Say “no” to any laws that try to make it harder for people to vote or be heard

• Listen to our community and support laws that help us all live better lives