Crowd calls for stricter limits, ban on data centers at Bloomington planning commission hearing
More than 110 people attended a Bloomington planning commission hearing on proposed data center regulations, with at least 42 speakers calling for stricter limits or an outright ban. The draft rules address zoning, power and water use, noise, setbacks, community benefits and decommissioning, while the city’s six-month moratorium on data centers larger than 5 megawatts is scheduled to expire Nov. 16.
Bloomington residents, environmental advocates and labor representatives offered sharply differing views during a special planning commission hearing on proposed data center regulations. Opponents urged the city to ban hyperscale facilities, require special-use permits and public hearings for all projects, prohibit non-disclosure agreements, strengthen setbacks, and impose stricter limits on electricity and water use. Laborers Local 362 representative Gil Brockway argued that data center construction would provide family-sustaining jobs and prevailing wages.
Ecology Action Center Executive Director Michael Brown said the draft rules do not adequately address power demand, renewable energy, backup generation or water use. The commission continued the hearing to Nov. 16, when it is expected to deliberate and vote on a recommendation for the Bloomington City Council, which is scheduled to consider the regulations Nov. 23. The city’s existing moratorium on data centers exceeding 5 megawatts is also set to expire Nov. 16.