St. Louis Board of Aldermen approve new rules for data centers
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a bill implementing comprehensive zoning regulations for data centers. These new rules mandate 100% renewable energy for large-scale data centers within 10 years, and regulate noise, heat, and water usage. Additionally, a separate bill was approved to prohibit tax breaks for data center projects, with both pieces of legislation now heading to Mayor Cara Spencer for review.
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has passed Board Bill 49, introducing the city's first comprehensive zoning regulations for data centers. Sponsored by Ward 1 Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, the bill mandates that large-scale data centers must operate on 100% renewable energy within a decade. It also establishes regulations for the location, noise, heat emissions, and water consumption of new data centers.
Supporters argue the legislation will decrease emissions, enhance public health, and bolster power grid reliability, though opponents voice concerns about environmental impact and the availability of sufficient renewable energy. Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc., expressed satisfaction with the approved framework, stating it provides a clear path for future data center development and will attract investment to the region.
Additionally, the Aldermen approved a separate bill, sponsored by Ward 7 Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, which bans tax breaks for data center projects. Both pieces of legislation now await review by Mayor Cara Spencer.