Demonstrators condemn Ameren’s plan to power data centers with coal and natural gas
More than 50 demonstrators marched to Ameren Missouri’s St. Louis headquarters to oppose the utility’s plan to expand natural gas generation and extend the operation of coal plants, which the company says is needed to meet rising electricity demand from data centers. Protesters called for renewable energy, lower bills and cleaner power, while Ameren defended the plan as necessary for affordability and reliability.
More than 50 people gathered outside Ameren Missouri’s St. Louis headquarters in a demonstration organized by the People’s Joy Parade and the Sierra Club. Protesters, including representatives of Tenants Transforming St. Louis, the Missouri Coalition for the Environment and Labadie Environmental Organization, criticized the utility’s long-range resource plan and its continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Ameren’s plan calls for nine new natural gas plants and extending the operation of two coal plants, including the Labadie plant west of St. Louis, whose four units are now expected to operate through 2042. The company says growing electricity demand, particularly from new large data centers in Missouri, is driving the expansion. Ameren executive Ajay Arora said keeping Labadie open longer would help preserve affordability and reliability, while protesters cited pollution, climate impacts and high electricity bills. The plan and a proposed rate increase are awaiting review by the Missouri Public Service Commission.