Senators Mary Elizabeth Coleman and Ben Brown Comment on Pacific Data Center Meeting

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, responded to Wednesday’s abrupt end of a meeting regarding a proposed data center near Pacific at Pacific High School. 

“I was disappointed to learn that last night’s meeting ended before residents had a full opportunity to be heard,” Sen. Coleman said. “Citizens from Jefferson County took time away from their families and work to participate in good faith, and it is a shame that their time was wasted. Our communities deserve transparency and respect in decisions that could affect their homes and quality of life.”

She added later in a statement, “I voted for Senate Bill 4 to ensure that any future data centers operating in Missouri pay their fair share of energy infrastructure and power costs without foisting those costs onto consumers.”  

Senator Ben Brown, R-Washington, also responded, “Missourians’ must have the opportunity for their voices to be heard when it comes to making major changes in local communities.”

The senators agree that government has an obligation to protect its citizens and not to allow companies to override local concerns or push projects through over the objections of the people who actually live there.

 “We want to commend the organized, respectful advocacy of residents in Jefferson and Franklin County who showed up to engage in the meeting,” said Sen. Coleman. “I will continue working to make sure Missouri welcomes responsible investment while protecting ratepayers, respecting local input, and ensuring that growth benefits our citizens first.”