Centralia Aldermen pass data center ordinance

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Centralia Board of Aldermen on Monday night unanimously passed an ordinance that defines and places rules on potential data centers in the city.

Centralia Mayor Chris Cox told ABC 17 News on Tuesday that the ordinance is meant to be proactive about data center development by establishing rules, though no one has come to the city to propose a project just yet.

Some of the rules around data centers includes them being subject to a conditional use permit and requiring them to be in permanent buildings.

The construction and use of data centers has come under fire around the country within the past year.

Data centers were proposed in Montgomery County, with residents pushing back over concerns of use of natural resources and energy. 

Ameren in November had announced an agreement that aims to put new rules on “large-load customers” such as data centers.