Parsi proposes data center limits in 2nd District race

What the proposal would do

Ace Parsi unveiled the Neighbors, Not Servers Act, a proposal aimed at giving local communities a direct decision on future data center projects. Parsi said he would introduce it as his first bill in the U.S. House if elected.

The measure would pause approval of new data centers nationwide while the federal government studies their effects on the environment and surrounding communities. After that pause, a proposed facility would need approval from a local government or voters in a referendum before receiving permits or other authorization.

The proposal also would prohibit nondisclosure agreements between data center developers and public officials. Companies would have to disclose projected water use, electricity demand and tax benefits before a local vote.

Existing data centers and facilities already under construction would not be covered by the proposed pause or local-consent requirements.

The 2nd District candidates

Parsi is the Democratic nominee for West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. His announcement makes data center regulation and local control part of his campaign for the House seat.

Republican Riley Moore is the district’s incumbent member of Congress and Parsi’s opponent. Moore had not responded to WTAP’s request for comment on the proposal when the plan was announced.