Joplin City Councilman Brian Cowles is defending the city’s approach to a proposed data center, saying concerns deserve serious examination but should be supported by credible evidence. Cowles’ statement comes days after the Joplin City Council unanimously approved new development standards governing future data centers. Under the regulations approved Monday, data centers must use closed-loop cooling or another system designed to reduce water consumption. The council removed an earlier requirement that each data center obtain a special use permit. Cowles said he has spent more than a year researching the industry, including visiting two data centers, attending the Missouri Data Center Summit and speaking with industry representatives.