Champaign County holds public hearing on proposed data center moratorium
News ClipChambana Today·Champaign County, IL·3/10/2026
The Champaign County Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a public hearing to consider a proposed 12-month moratorium on large data center construction in the county. The moratorium is intended to give officials time to develop comprehensive regulations for data centers over 10,000 square feet. Climate advocacy group Prairie Rivers Network is supporting the moratorium.
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Gov: Champaign County Zoning Board of Appeals, Champaign County Board
Champaign County is considering a 12-month moratorium on large data center construction to develop comprehensive regulations. Climate Policy Director Andrew Rehn of Prairie Rivers Network supports the pause. Large data centers are rapidly expanding in Illinois, including facilities in Sangamon County and near Joliet. Local leaders say developers have moved quickly, negotiating agreements before engaging the community. Champaign County follows other Illinois communities, such as Aurora, that have enacted temporary moratoriums while finalizing rules for large-scale data center development.