Missouri Proposes Legislation to Regulate AI Data Centers and Water Use
Missouri lawmakers are proposing regulations for AI data centers, requiring upfront energy infrastructure costs and water use permits. The legislation mandates that large facilities pay for energy upgrades and obtain permits for water usage exceeding 2 million gallons per day. The Future Caucus aims to protect residents and ensure sustainable resource management while supporting data center development in the state.

Missouri lawmakers are introducing regulations for AI data centers that mandate facilities to pay for energy infrastructure upgrades and acquire water use permits. Proposed by the Future Caucus, the legislation requires large industrial users with a peak demand of 50 megawatts or more to cover upfront energy costs.
Additionally, facilities withdrawing 2 million gallons or more of water daily must obtain a permit valid for five years. If water usage exceeds 80% of local capacity, new freshwater infrastructure must be developed.
The legislation aims to protect residents while supporting the growth of AI data centers in Missouri, which have faced community opposition. The bills are in the early legislative stages.




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