Logan County residents to host data center protest Monday

Residents of Logan County, Illinois, are actively protesting a proposed 500-megawatt data center development by Hut 8 in the village of Latham. The protest, organized by Rachel Stechman, founder of Logan County Indivisible, took place outside the Logan County Courthouse in Lincoln. The demonstration comes as a 60-day moratorium on data centers, previously enacted by Logan County, approaches its expiration. Community members voice significant concerns over potential power and water strain, as well as noise, air, water, and soil pollution. They also highlight the permanent impact on agricultural land if the company were to relocate in the future. Stechman asserts that data centers typically create far fewer permanent jobs than promised, questioning the long-term economic benefits. Opponents are gathering signatures for a petition against the conditional use permits required for the Hut 8 facility, having already collected over 400. While the project promises 200 jobs and millions in property tax revenue, residents argue the risks outweigh these benefits. The Logan County Board is scheduled for a meeting on Wednesday, with community members seeking more transparency from the board. Hut 8 did not respond to requests for comment.