Charleston may adopt data center ban while developing regulations
Charleston has proposed a temporary ban on new data center and battery energy storage developments while the city drafts regulations for those facilities. The article also notes that McLean County recently adopted rules addressing data center water use and infrastructure costs.
Charleston officials are considering a temporary ban on prospective data center and battery energy storage projects while developing regulations for the facilities. The proposal follows broader debate over data center development in Central Illinois, including concerns about infrastructure and resource use.
The article also reports that McLean County recently added regulations covering water use and infrastructure costs after previously limiting data center applications to manufacturing districts. Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey discussed data centers during a media interview, but no company-specific project is identified.