DeKalb Residents Push for Data Center Transparency Rules
DeKalb residents are seeking greater transparency about data-center water use, infrastructure impacts and environmental consequences after the City Council approved a large Edged project planned by Endeavour Energy. Residents and local officials are calling for Aurora-style regulations and a moratorium on additional projects while the city develops new standards.
The DeKalb City Council approved the Edged data-center project in December 2025. Planned by Endeavour Energy on approximately 560 acres, Project Vector would include four data-center buildings and two electrical substations, with construction expected to begin before a full buildout in 2032. The city says the facility will use waterless chillers rather than DeKalb's potable water, but residents continue to question the project's water use, infrastructure demands and public oversight.
Residents have submitted public-records requests and challenged city officials at public meetings, seeking rules modeled on Aurora's data-center ordinances. Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada, DeKalb County Board member Meryl Greer Domina and Alderman Mike Verbic have supported calls for stronger regulations, while Zasada plans to ask Mayor Cohen Barnes to support a moratorium on new data centers. Aurora's rules require public hearings, water, energy and sound studies, updated zoning standards and City Council approval. DeKalb already hosts a Meta data center and has another facility under construction, intensifying debate over the economic benefits of development versus water, electricity and environmental concerns.