Data center forum raises concerns over power, water and carbon storage
A public forum in Decatur, Illinois, raised community concerns regarding data center development, specifically focusing on power, water, and carbon storage implications. Attendees expressed opposition to Macon County Board Chairman Kevin Greenfield. McLean County recently adopted new regulations restricting data center applications and adding rules on water use and infrastructure costs.
A 'Let's Talk Data Centers' event held at the Decatur Public Library, hosted by Soy City Indivisible, Illinois People's Action, Citizens Utility Board, and Prairie Rivers Network, drew a large crowd concerned about the implications of data center developments.
Speakers, including Andrew Rehn of Prairie Rivers Network, addressed issues such as power consumption, water usage, and carbon storage. Attendees signed a poster reading 'Nothing about us without us,' which is planned for delivery to Macon County Board Chairman Kevin Greenfield, signaling community opposition to current development trends.
The discussion also covered the broader landscape of data center development across Central Illinois, touching on proposed moratoriums and the governor's stance. Notably, McLean County recently adopted new regulations that restrict data center applications to manufacturing districts and impose additional rules on water use and infrastructure costs.