A Democrat’s case for responsible data center growth | Opinion

Tony DelGiorno, Democratic Caucus Leader and representative for District 23 on the Sangamon County Board, has articulated his support for a recent CyrusOne data center zoning petition vote. DelGiorno clarifies that the vote, which concerned a proposal in Talkington Township approximately 30 miles from downtown Springfield, was non-partisan, with Democrats on the board splitting their votes. The proposed data center site, located in a rural area with the closest home about a half mile away, is described as distinct from more densely populated locations often cited by critics. DelGiorno asserts that the county possesses tools to address concerns, noting that the petition was a zoning matter and CyrusOne has yet to file for a building permit, allowing for continued tightening of building standards. He refutes comparisons to Springfield's Pillsbury plant or CyrusOne's Aurora campus, highlighting differences in acquisition and proximity to residential areas. DelGiorno also points to local benefits, including hundreds of union construction jobs and permanent positions at the finished facility. He notes CyrusOne's commitment to STEM education, apprenticeship, and minority recruitment. Addressing environmental and utility concerns, he states the project will use existing electrical infrastructure from a nearby solar farm, with ample certified capacity from Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative and the MISO regional grid. Water will be supplied by another rural cooperative using a closed-loop cooling design, and emergency backup generators will meet EPA's strictest emissions standards, minimizing environmental impact. Ultimately, DelGiorno emphasizes that government decisions should be based on evidence and law, not fear, and that the project adheres to the data center ordinance passed last year. He supports the zoning petition with the caveat that ongoing monitoring and enforcement will be crucial to protect Sangamon County citizens.