No new moratorium, but no data center either for Logan County

Logan County, Illinois, will not see a data center developed immediately, despite the county board's decision not to extend its existing moratorium. The board stated that a data center application cannot be processed until a new ordinance outlining regulations for such facilities is passed. The existing moratorium was kicked back to the zoning board, with a focus on developing comprehensive regulations. Board Chairman James Glenn emphasized that no development can occur until the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) acts, which would then make a recommendation back to the county board. However, county residents vocalized their strong opposition during public comment, expressing a desire for no data centers at all and urging the county to wait for potential guidelines from the State of Illinois, including discussions around the Power Act which aims to hold data centers more responsible for their power consumption. Concerns were also raised regarding the validity of benefits claimed by Hut 8, the potential developer. The lengthy meeting concluded with the board targeting a special zoning board meeting on May 13th for further discussions on a possible data center facility and the proposed regulatory ordinance.