A Missouri lawmaker is calling for more transparency and public input as large-scale data center projects expand across the state.
Rep. Tricia Byrnes, R‑Wentzville, says communities should have a stronger voice before projects move forward, particularly when it comes to potential impacts like utility costs. She pointed to concerns in central Missouri, where multi‑billion‑dollar developments are being proposed.
“It’s one thing to say that you can take on one or two data centers, but for instance, I’ve heard as many as six data centers just within the Ameren footprint, and we deserve transparency so that we can have all of the answers to know if this is going to impact our cost of living and the way we live our life,” Byrnes said.
Two data center projects planned for Montgomery County alone are tied to a combined investment of about $25 billion, adding to the urgency of the discussion. Byrnes says communities are being asked to make significant decisions without having the authority or structure in place to fully evaluate those impacts.
“What we’re seeing is a lot of these counties come to the state to ask issues about putting hotel taxes on the ballot because they don’t have the structure right now granted to them by the state so that they can do what Wentzville did, which was create an ordinance that didn’t prohibit data centers, but it did put some guardrails up,” she said.
Another group of Republican lawmakers is also raising concerns. A letter signed by 16 GOP representatives, led by Rep. Don Mayhew, R‑Crocker, asks Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a special session to address issues tied to the rapid growth of data centers. Lawmakers cited potential impacts on power, water, roads and land use, along with questions about who would cover infrastructure costs and how property owners and taxpayers could be affected. The letter also points to concerns about consumer privacy and whether current Missouri laws are equipped to handle the expansion of artificial intelligence.
The debate comes as Kehoe promotes data center growth as part of Missouri’s role in the AI industry, highlighting the potential economic benefits of large investments.
“I think some of these pie in the sky ideas are great, but I’m not completely convinced he’s not being sold by a bunch of lobbyists,” Byrnes said.
Byrnes says she will hold a hearing Sept. 16 in Jefferson City through the House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, which she chairs, to gather input as concerns continue to grow over large data center projects.
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