Missouri faces mounting pressure for a statewide data center moratorium amid rapid expansion of hyperscale AI facilities, which strain local power grids and water resources. Multiple counties and cities, including Benton, Jackson, Springfield, and St. Charles, have enacted temporary pauses or permanent zoning restrictions in 2026 to study impacts and develop regulations. A September 2026 Capitol rally organized by groups like NoMo Data Centers amplified calls for state-level guardrails, while pending bills target agricultural land and permitting processes. A governor's executive order directs a review of energy infrastructure, with findings due by November 30, 2026, ahead of the November election that could shift legislative priorities. Local lawsuits from developers challenging these measures underscore ongoing uncertainty.