U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has reiterated his concerns about the impact of data centers on utility costs in Missouri, following criticism from Cindy O’Laughlin, President Pro Tempore of the Missouri State Senate. O’Laughlin had described Hawley’s warnings about rising utility rates as “misleading” in a letter addressed to him.
In response, Hawley stated, “She told me to stop asking questions about data centers and higher electricity rates. Not a chance.”
Hawley’s remarks follow his recent letter to Ameren Corporation President and CEO Martin Lyons. In that correspondence, he questioned Ameren’s decision to invest in large-scale corporate projects while many Missourians are facing increased utility bills and power shut-offs. Hawley requested information from Ameren regarding its rate increases, disconnections of service, expansion of data centers, and how costs are allocated and prioritized.
The debate comes amid broader discussions about how major infrastructure investments by utility companies may affect consumer costs.
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