The Pushback Against Data Centers Continues

Logan County, Illinois, is currently experiencing significant community pushback against a proposed data center project, with residents actively protesting ahead of a crucial county board meeting. The protest, organized by Logan County Indivisible, saw dozens of residents wearing red and carrying signs to demonstrate their opposition, advocating for the 12-person county board to consider their sentiments. The upcoming Wednesday meeting will address the fate of a moratorium that delayed a decision on the data center proposal, with the board having the option to extend it or let it expire. During the existing moratorium, the county commissioned a study to assess whether local electricity grids and water resources can support such a large facility. Residents, many of whom have expressed strong opposition at previous meetings, are calling for more transparency or a complete rejection of the project. Dayton Keys, a local resident, emphasized the desire for an ordinance that would grant the community the power to vote on large-scale projects, rather than leaving such decisions to a small group of politicians. Petitions against the data center were circulated at the protest, further highlighting the organized opposition. This situation in Logan County comes roughly two months after the county delayed an initial vote on a zoning request for a data center near the village of Latham, a proposal initially pitched by potential developer Hot 8. In contrast, neighboring Sangamon County recently approved a zoning request for a data center, with a 17-10 board vote. CyrusOne, identified as the potential developer for the Sangamon County project, plans a $500 million complex covering 280 acres of farmland in the county's southwest corner. The Logan County Board's decision on Wednesday regarding the moratorium will be closely watched.