Governors Discuss Energy Growth at Southern States Energy Board Meeting
BILOXI, Miss. — The 66th annual meeting of the Southern States Energy Board convened this week at the Biloxi Hard Rock, gathering state leaders from across the South to discuss the future of energy production.
Panel on Energy Demand
Governor Tate Reeves, the board’s chairman, participated in a panel discussion on Monday alongside Puerto Rico Governor Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon, addressing the increasing demand for energy production. Reeves noted a significant shift in energy needs compared to five years ago, stating, “Today, it is unbelievable what we’re seeing in terms of the need for more megawatts, more gigawatts of power production.”
Regulation as a Barrier
Both governors emphasized that over-regulation is a key barrier to growth. Gonzalez-Colon pointed out the red tape imposed by federal regulations and stated, “As governors, we can cut that red tape… but there’s a lot of federal law.”
Debate on Data Centers
The issue of data center development was also highlighted, with municipalities in Mississippi calling for moratoriums on new projects. Reeves challenged the rationale behind halting growth, stating that refusing investment could threaten essential revenue for local budgets.
Significant Investments in Mississippi
Mississippi has seen substantial investments in recent years, including a $500 million expansion by Hitachi Energy in Copiah County. Reeves expressed pride in these developments, suggesting that the future will differentiate between states that meet industrial demands and those that do not.
The meeting will continue through Wednesday, featuring discussions from notable organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and Mississippi Power.
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