Residents victorious in fight to stop Pekin, Illinois data center
News ClipPeople's World·Pekin, Tazewell County, IL·3/12/2026
Residents of Pekin, Illinois successfully opposed the construction of a proposed AI data center in their city. The city council announced it would not move forward with approving the project, citing uncertainty and division in the community. Residents raised concerns about the environmental impact, particularly on electricity and water usage, as well as the rising utility costs for residents. The opposition group had organized extensively, distributing over 1,100 signs and packing city council meetings, which surprised the council. The group is now pushing the city to fully rescind all ordinances and agreements related to the data center project.
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Gov: Pekin City Council
Residents in Pekin, Illinois celebrated a victory after the city council decided not to move forward with approving a proposed AI data center. Mayor Mary Burress announced the decision, citing the uncertainty and division the project had created in the community. Zoey Carter, a candidate for the Illinois State House, praised the decision, citing environmental and cost concerns. However, activists remain cautious, as some ordinances and agreements related to the project are still in place. The community opposition group, led by spokesperson Mark Stevens, had organized quickly and effectively, packing council meetings and distributing over 1,100 signs against the project. Stevens called for state lawmakers to do more to protect communities from the negative impacts of data centers, arguing they should not receive tax breaks or participate in power purchase agreements unless they invest in more environmentally friendly energy sources.