Data Centers Proposals to get 6 month Review

The Morgan County board has enacted a six-month waiting period for new data center proposals, a decision made during a special meeting that drew a standing-room-only crowd. This action was spurred by a petition from over 360 residents supporting a review period for such developments. Commissioner Michael Woods, who originally advocated for a 12-month review, emphasized the county's need to be proactive in assessing the suitability of data centers, rather than reactive, citing a proposed data center near Waverly in neighboring Sangamon County as a catalyst for his proposal. State's attorney Gray Noll advised shortening the waiting period to six months to ensure its legal defensibility. Dr. Woods clarified that this measure is distinct from traditional zoning, as Morgan County does not have a formal zoning ordinance. The county board is also closely monitoring the Illinois General Assembly, where lawmakers have expressed intentions to introduce regulations pertaining to data centers.