Christian County Board Hears Data Center Concerns Amid Temporary Construction Restriction
The Christian County Board met with a large crowd of residents to discuss a proposed data center project, where citizens voiced concerns about water supply, power usage, and environmental impacts. The county currently has a temporary restriction in place on data center construction while it conducts further research and zoning review. An information fair is scheduled for residents to meet with the project developer, Eagle Rock Partners.
The Christian County Board held a rescheduled meeting in Taylorville, Illinois, attended by 150-200 residents concerned about a proposed data center project. The meeting, moved due to anticipated crowd size, allowed citizens to address the board during public comment.
Board Chairman Bryan Sharp informed attendees about a temporary county-wide restriction on data center construction, which was enacted in August 2025 (Resolution RF-025C-010). This restriction is in place to allow for extensive research and review of the data center's potential impacts on water supply, energy use, and other county resources. The Zoning Board of Appeals has been tasked with conducting hearings and making recommendations before any future action or permit issuance for data centers.
Residents, including Jessica Donovan, Sam Lacy, Village of Palmer Mayor Matt McKinney, and Debbie Daniels of Bear Creek Farm and Ranch, voiced strong opposition. Their concerns centered on potential environmental impacts, such as wells running dry, the strain on municipal water supplies and power grids, and a perceived lack of transparency from developers. Daniels also expressed worries about the impact on local livelihoods and agritourism.
Following the meeting, a press release announced a Christian County Economic Development Corporation Project Information Fair to be held on June 2, 2026, in Taylorville. This event will provide residents an opportunity to meet the project developer, Eagle Rock Partners, and ask questions regarding the proposed data center project.