Missouri lawmakers pledge new push for data center, AI guardrails in 2027
Missouri lawmakers plan to reintroduce legislation in 2027 aimed at establishing guardrails for data centers, including requirements for covering electricity grid expansion costs and creating a new rate class for power users. This push comes as local communities like St. Charles city and county have taken action, with the city banning large-scale data centers and the county enacting a moratorium. Opponents of hyper-scale data centers are also planning a rally, indicating ongoing public engagement.
Missouri state lawmakers, led by Rep. Collin Willenkamp, announced their intention to reintroduce legislation in 2027 aimed at establishing guardrails for artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers. The proposed bill, titled the AI Infrastructure, Grid Integrity and Water Resources Protection Act, was initially introduced late in last year's session and failed to gain traction.
The legislation would mandate that large electricity consumers, such as data centers, cover the costs associated with grid expansion, new generating capacity, and infrastructure improvements. It also seeks to create a distinct rate class for these power users. Additionally, lawmakers have released guidance to assist local policymakers in evaluating data center proposals, covering considerations from decommissioning sites to renewable energy components and protecting ratepayers from price increases.
Rep. Willenkamp, who represents a portion of St. Charles city, noted that the city has already banned large-scale data centers. Concurrently, St. Charles County recently approved a six-month moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas, highlighting the increasing local challenges communities face in assessing these projects. Lawmakers expressed that many municipalities feel