Decatur to Host Discussion on Data Center Impacts, Water, and Energy
Soy City Indivisible and several environmental groups are hosting an event in Decatur, Illinois, to discuss the significant impacts of data center growth on water resources, energy systems, and environmental health across the state and specifically in Macon County. The event aims to educate communities on how to address these developments and encourages participation from local government officials.
Soy City Indivisible, in collaboration with several statewide environmental organizations and nonprofits including Prairie Rivers Network, Citizens Utility Board, and Illinois People's Action, is organizing a public forum titled "Let’s Talk Data Centers: Our Water, Our Power, Our Communities."
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Madden Auditorium in the Decatur Public Library, aims to inform residents of Decatur and surrounding communities about the rapid expansion of data centers across Illinois. Organizers intend to provide clear, plain-language information regarding the potential effects of these developments on local water supplies, energy demand, utility costs, and environmental health, as well as strategies for community action.
The program will feature an overview of the data center landscape in Illinois and Macon County, insights into environmental and energy impacts, and information related to the Broadwing Energy Center. A special invitation has been extended to members of the Macon County Board, the newly appointed Citizens Volunteer Advisory Committee (CVAC), the Decatur City Council, and other city and township board and council members, encouraging their participation in the free event, which will also be livestreamed on Soy City Indivisible's Facebook page and YouTube channel.