Kansas Senate Candidates Challenged Data Center Incentives
Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton questioned the impact of tax breaks for data center projects in July 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Data Centers
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Should the federal government eliminate tax breaks for data center developers?
In July 2026, Kansas Senate candidates Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton expressed skepticism toward data center development. Both candidates scrutinized federal tax incentives, including those established by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Why it matters
The debate centers on balancing potential local tax revenue against concerns regarding the high energy and water usage associated with hyperscale data centers. Critics and lawmakers are weighing these impacts against existing federal economic development policies.
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act permits companies to deduct 100% of equipment costs in a single year through bonus depreciation. This policy currently applies to rural data center developers through the expanded Opportunity Zone program.
The players
Roger Marshall
He is a U.S. Senate candidate who supported the passage of the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Adam Hamilton
He is a U.S. Senate candidate who has publicly opposed providing federal tax breaks to data center developers.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who signed the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law.
The details
Candidates Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton argued that data center regulation should remain a local zoning matter, with Marshall supporting county moratoriums on new projects. While Marshall previously supported the 2025 Act, both candidates now question the appropriateness of tax breaks for this industry.
Timeline
President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025.
Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton provided public statements in July 2026.
The Tech Race
The growth of hyperscale facilities reflects a broader race to subsidize artificial intelligence infrastructure across the country. Current policy discussions follow a pattern set by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which incentivized capital investment in new tech sectors.
The potential shift in tax incentives could influence whether new data centers are built in local communities. Residents may see changes in local zoning rules or utility rates if energy and water consumption remain a primary focus of regional policy.
The takeaway
Legislators are increasingly evaluating how federal tax policy influences the physical footprint of the tech industry. Voters should monitor local zoning board meetings for upcoming decisions regarding potential data center moratoriums in their counties.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure debate on our Data Centers page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
Live Poll
Should the federal government eliminate tax breaks for data center developers?
