What you need to know about board that approved the St. Louis data center project

The St. Louis Board of Public Service recently approved a contentious $3 billion data center project in Midtown, prompting significant public debate. The board’s unanimous vote on a conditional use permit, allowing developers to proceed, came despite strong community opposition centered on concerns over water and energy consumption. Critics, including Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, lambasted the process for its lack of transparency, citing late notification of the vote. Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer also called for delaying the vote until the Planning Commission could adopt comprehensive rules for data center use, advocating for stronger conditions such as a 75% renewable energy target, rather than the approved 50%. The mayor’s office emphasized that the project must meet specific conditions, including sourcing at least half its energy from renewables within five years. Supporters, like the American Federation of Teachers Local 420, praised the revised proposal as a potential national model, noting its commitment to addressing public concerns and generating substantial tax revenue. The union highlighted that the project is expected to generate $423 million in tax revenue over its first decade, with over $200 million earmarked for St. Louis Public Schools, making it the largest beneficiary. The board’s decision is subject to appeal by any "aggrieved" party, though no such action had been confirmed at the time of the report.