Missouri lawmakers propose data center rules for excessive water and electricity use

Missouri lawmakers have proposed new legislation to regulate data centers' electricity and water usage. The bill, called the AI Infrastructure, Grid Integrity and Water Resource Protection Act, would require large data centers to pay for grid infrastructure upgrades needed to provide them electricity, and obtain water usage permits from the Department of Natural Resources if their daily usage exceeds 2 million gallons. The goal is to protect consumers from utility price increases and ensure sustainable use of water resources. The legislation faces a long path to passing both the House and Senate, but sponsors argue it is needed to responsibly develop Missouri's data center and AI economy.