Tazewell County takes first step to prevent data centers

The Tazewell County Board recently approved a zoning code amendment to prevent data centers from being built on county land, signaling a significant move to control development. The amendment changes the zoning code from allowing analogous land uses to strictly prohibiting any use not explicitly permitted or adopted by supplemental ordinance. This action was recommended by the county's Zoning Board of Appeals, community development director Jaclynn Workman, the land use committee, and the state's attorney's office. The decision comes amidst growing controversy over data centers, which are critical for artificial intelligence but raise concerns among critics about their substantial demand for vital resources, particularly water and electricity. While a developer had expressed interest in building a data center in the city of Pekin, the city has since indicated it is not interested, and no formal plan has been submitted. The county's land use committee plans to introduce more rigorous measures related to data centers to the full board in the coming months, indicating further regulatory action is expected.