St. Louis Faces Controversy Over Planned Data Center Amid AI Expansion

As technology companies expand their investments into new data centers, cities across the United States are encountering debates and opposition. St. Louis has become a focal point in this discourse as plans emerge to transform a million square feet of old warehouse space into a data center.

Leading the project is David Daneshforooz, CEO of TerraWatt, who sees opportunity in revitalizing unused infrastructure. He highlights, “St. Louis has a lot of old, kind of decaying infrastructure that’s being underutilized. Data centers can bring industry back if developed responsibly.”

Despite the potential benefits outlined, many local residents remain unconvinced. According to a Gallup poll, more than 70% of Americans express reluctance towards having data centers in their vicinity. Among those raising concerns, Kasey Fowler-Finn, a biologist at Saint Louis University, recently filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping the development.

Fowler-Finn raises issues related to noise and resource usage, such as water and electricity, citing a lack of environmental assessments. She insists on transparency, noting, “A lot of claims are being made that don’t actually have data to back it up.” She emphasizes the importance of considering scientific evidence before proceeding.

The data center project ties into the broader context of artificial intelligence technology. Daneshforooz comments, “The AI side of it is just really out of fear. It’s the unknown.” Fowler-Finn contests this notion, arguing that concerns are legitimate and grounded in science. “It is not a baseless panic,” she states.

Moreover, Daneshforooz suggests that without U.S.-based data centers, American data security might be compromised. “Where is that information going to be stored? Would you rather have it here, or where regulations and controls might be lacking?” he asks.

TerraWatt offers to ensure self-sustained electricity use and closed water systems to minimize impact. They also propose investing in the local school system with the hope of gaining community support, a strategy that succeeded in other cities but has yet to win over St. Louis.