Decatur IL residents raise concerns at data center town hall | Local News
Hundreds of Decatur, Illinois residents attended a town hall to discuss concerns about large-scale data centers, focusing on potential impacts to water supply and electricity rates. The Macon County Zoning Board has recommended a 12-month moratorium on data center developments, but the county board has yet to vote on it.
Hundreds of residents in Decatur, Illinois, gathered at a "Let's Talk Data Centers" town hall on Wednesday night to voice concerns about the potential impacts of large-scale data centers on their community. Key issues raised included environmental effects, particularly on water resources, and the potential for increased electricity rates.
Andrew Rehn of Prairie Rivers Network highlighted the vulnerability of Lake Decatur, the city's primary water source, emphasizing the need to protect its quantity and quality amidst data center operations, especially given a significant drought in 2025. Scott Allen from the Citizens Utility Board noted that AI data centers are contributing to higher electricity demand, which could lead to increased energy bills.
Dawn Dannenbring of the Illinois People's Action advocated for a moratorium, arguing that developers would not disclose worst-case scenarios and that time is needed for the community to understand the implications. The Macon County Zoning Board has recommended a 12-month moratorium on data center developments, though the Macon County Board has not yet held a vote on the proposal. Organizers plan to continue their town hall series until residents' concerns are addressed.