In one paragraph
Missouri's HB 2239 (Artificial Intelligence Data Center Environmental Accountability Act) would apply to AI-optimized data centers of 100 megawatts or more built, expanded or permitted from August 28, 2027. They would need closed-loop water cooling (or an equivalent verified by the Department of Natural Resources), continuous monitoring and emergency protocols, and annual public environmental and health reports, with civil penalties up to $50,000 per day. Referred to the House Emerging Issues committee May 15, 2026; the bill died when the 2026 regular session ended in May 2026 without being truly agreed to and finally passed.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill did not pass and is not law. Had it passed, it would have affected operators of AI-optimized data centers of 100 megawatts or more in Missouri.
Key provisions
- Would define an AI-optimized data center as a facility designed primarily for AI training or inference with a combined IT load of 100 megawatts or more
- Would apply to such centers constructed, expanded or permitted on or after August 28, 2027, and to existing data centers that grow by 25% or more to reach 100 megawatts
- Would require a closed-loop water cooling system (or an alternative the department verifies as equal or lower in water withdrawal and discharge intensity), continuous monitoring of make-up water, discharge temperature and chemicals, and emergency protocols
- Would require operators to file an annual environmental and health report with the Department of Natural Resources before April 1, covering water, energy, emissions, waste and community impacts
- Would require the department to publish reports within 60 days of receipt and to prepare a statewide annual summary of cumulative impacts
- Would impose a civil penalty up to $50,000 per day for violations such as failing to install a closed-loop system or file the report, and allow permit suspension or revocation for repeated or willful noncompliance
- Not enacted: referred to the House Emerging Issues committee May 15, 2026 with no hearing scheduled
Latest legislative action
May 15, 2026. Referred: Emerging Issues(H); died when the Missouri General Assembly's 2026 session ended May 15, 2026
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Marty Murray D | Sponsor | HD-078 |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error