Area residents sound off on data centers
Jefferson County residents voiced strong opposition to potential data center developments at a county board meeting, citing concerns over increased utility costs, environmental pollution, and minimal job creation. The Village of Dix has already enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data centers to develop new zoning regulations. Residents urged the county board to take action, while board members acknowledged concerns and planned further research.
Residents of Jefferson County, Illinois, expressed overwhelming opposition to potential data center developments at a recent county board meeting held in Mount Vernon. Community members, including Ryan Dingman, Emily Marlow, Derrek Wilson, Sara Cantley, and Jack Bravard, voiced concerns about increased strain on electrical and water systems, potential pollution, noise, and the minimal number of permanent jobs data centers typically provide, arguing that the negative impacts outweigh any possible benefits. Marlow specifically highlighted how data centers could lead to higher utility costs for residents, referencing examples from Columbus, Ohio, and Newton County, Georgia.
While no official zoning permit application has been submitted to Jefferson County, rumors of a possible data center being considered south of Dix have circulated. In a proactive move, the Village of Dix Board of Trustees previously approved a 180-day moratorium on new data centers, solar farms, and warehouse facilities. This moratorium is intended to provide the village with time to establish comprehensive zoning and land-use regulations for such developments.
During the public input portion of the Jefferson County Board meeting, residents urged board members to take a proactive stance, suggesting actions such as modifying current zoning ordinances or implementing a county-wide moratorium to allow for further research. County Board members acknowledged the public's concerns. Board member Fisher Overstreet committed to transparency, while Jeff Williams raised concerns about potential state preemption of local regulations. Board member Adam Ortgiesen encouraged citizens to contact state representatives, noting that much local control is dictated by the state. Chairman Cliff Lindemann confirmed that the state has not yet prohibited local regulation of data centers, though this could change. He also mentioned research into potential pollution from heavy metals in data center water discharge. The county board plans to continue investigating data center issues and will discuss them at an appropriate time, also seeking guidance from the Illinois Association of County Board Members.