Town of Normal enacts six-month moratorium on large-scale data center development
The Town of Normal has enacted a six-month moratorium on large-scale data center development to allow for comprehensive study and community input. This decision aligns with similar actions taken by the nearby city of Bloomington. The town plans site visits to existing data centers and discussions with other communities that have adopted regulations.
The Town of Normal, Illinois, has enacted a six-month moratorium on large-scale data center development, mirroring a similar action by neighboring Bloomington. City Manager Pam Reece stated this proactive measure allows the town to thoughtfully consider the requirements, advantages, and challenges associated with such developments. The town plans to partner with Bloomington on community discussions and conduct site visits to existing, modern data centers in other communities to understand effective and ineffective regulations, similar to the process undertaken by the Village of Aurora.
Separately, Normal has also become the first municipality in its region to approve regulations for industrial-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These regulations address siting, lighting, height, noise levels, distance requirements, and fire compliance standards. While one BESS permit has been issued to Rivian, and a few other inquiries received, the town has not yet had inquiries for BESS installations specifically supporting data centers or large solar/wind projects. The town also noted an increase in residential BESS, particularly due to changes in net metering policies.