St. Louis aldermen approve tough new rules for data centers
St. Louis aldermen have approved new data center regulations, including 600-foot setbacks and 100% renewable energy requirements, which they claim are the toughest in the nation. Mayor Kara Spencer is expected to sign the bill into instant law. The city, seeking tax revenue, is moving forward despite some officials' personal reservations about the tech industry.
St. Louis city officials have passed strict new regulations for data centers, described as the toughest in the nation. Despite some aldermen expressing personal dislike for the internet and AI, the city moved to implement these rules due to the significant tax revenue potential demonstrated by data centers in other states like Virginia. The legislation, championed by South City Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, includes mandates for 600-foot setbacks from homes, schools, and parks, 100% renewable energy usage within ten years, and no local tax breaks.
The bill passed with near-unanimous support from the Board of Aldermen, with Alderwoman Shame Clark Hubbard abstaining due to a potential conflict of interest involving her lobbyist husband. Mayor Kara Spencer is expected to sign the bill into immediate law with an emergency clause, meaning it will take instant effect. While the planning commission and the full board are scheduled for further votes, the Mayor's intent indicates the rules will become binding quickly.
City officials are aware of an unknown developer discussing a North City data center, suggesting these rules are being enacted with ongoing development in mind. The aldermen believe these stringent requirements, including penalties, will still be manageable for wealthy tech companies looking to invest in St. Louis.