State leaders give thoughts on AI, Pope Leo. Data center pushback continues: Mississippi Marketplace

By Katherine Lin | Originally published by Mississippi Today

We’ve talked a lot about artificial intelligence and data centers in Mississippi Marketplace.

Over the past few weeks, state leaders have chimed in with their thoughts on AI. 

Last week, Gov. Tate Reeves announced the release of the Mississippi Statewide AI framework. While it does not set policy, compliance, accountability or any requirements, it provides a foundation for how the state would like AI to be incorporated into education and the workforce.

According to a Facebook post from the governor, the document “establishes statewide AI priorities and provides a structured, stage-by-stage map of the AI skills learners need from K-12 through career leadership.” 

Andy Gipson, Mississippi’s agriculture commissioner and a candidate for governor, added his thoughts about AI on Facebook.

“I have traveled all across Mississippi and I can tell you firsthand: the Real People of Mississippi have real concerns about AI and the future of Mississippi. Politicians and leaders should not discount or ignore those concerns,” Gipson wrote. He called for balancing economic development with “real world needs and concerns of real Mississippi people.”

Bill Cork, the executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, weighed in on Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on AI, entitled Magnifica Humanita. On his blog, Cork breaks down key areas in which he agrees with the Pope and offers his own experience as an AI user and as a development official who has sat across the table from many of the companies building AI. 

“Receive Magnifica Humanitas with gratitude and obedience. Heed its warnings on power, labor, children and truth. But also receive the gifts of this age with proper thanks. Pray that these tools become instruments of translation rather than confusion, access rather than exclusion, and communion rather than mere connection,” Cork wrote. 

Data center pushback

AI is inextricably tied with the data center build out rapidly expanding in Mississippi, and there continues to be pushback from residents. This includes: 

• People across the state who are opposed to or skeptical of data centers being built near them, they often bring up a lack of transparency from the company and local officials, and that there were no opportunities for community input on the project. While others have welcomed the new investment in their city.
• In April, the city of Ridgeland, which is home to two Amazon data centers, amended its zoning ordinance to place more requirements on any new data center projects. Including distance from residential properties, security measures and when generators can be run. 
• A potential data center in Jackson has postponed its rezoning hearing in order to address concerns from the community and the city. 
• The Jackson City Council postponed a vote on a data center moratorium. There will be a public hearing about data centers and a zoning ordinance on June 22.  

In other news:

• A new report from MDA outlines a strategy for Mississippi to become a leading domestic producer of critical minerals, focused on lithium-rich brines. 
• Rosedale Distilling Company is investing $17 million in the Mississippi Delta town of Rosedale to open a new distillery, event spaces and retail shops. 
• Memphis-based International Paper broke ground on a $225 million packaging facility in Rankin County. The investment will bring around 150 jobs according to the company.
• The University of Southern Mississippi’s Innovation Week for the Gulf Blue program highlighted new technologies and opportunities along the Gulf Coast. Ideas included artificial reefs to grow the oyster population and artificial intelligence tools for marine data analysis.

Will we see more conversations/debates about AI policy and regulation in the upcoming elections or in the next legislative session? Send me your thoughts at marketplace@mississippitoday.org

This article was originally published by Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Source: Original Article