Aurora City Council approves proposed restrictions for new data centers

The Aurora City Council in Illinois has approved a new ordinance implementing the strictest regulations on data centers in the state, potentially the country. The vote came during Tuesday night's meeting, replacing a temporary 180-day moratorium on new data center development that was set to expire on March 23. The new regulations require prospective data center companies to conduct studies on sound, noise, and water, meet specific standards for noise, vibrations, and energy, and obtain city council approval. Generators and chillers for new facilities must be located 1,500 feet from homes. Mayor John Laesch stated these ordinances will provide significant safeguards for residents and the environment and called for the State of Illinois to pass the Illinois POWER Act to address high electricity bills and improve quality of life. Residents, including Laura Evans, have been vocal about the constant noise from existing data centers, such as one operated by CyrusOne near Interstate 88. While the new rules do not apply to the four existing centers or the five currently under development, city officials have stated existing centers must be transparent about their energy, water, and noise usage. Kevin Lennon of CME Group, representing CyrusOne, affirmed the company's commitment to being good corporate citizens. Some residents have expressed concerns that these strict regulations could deter new businesses from developing in Aurora. The exact date for the new regulations to take effect has not been officially announced but is potentially April 1.