Jeff Co Board approves resolution opposing data centers

The Jefferson County Board in Illinois has approved a resolution opposing data center development within the county until comprehensive studies and public input are completed. This decision, driven by months of public outcry and resident concerns, was spearheaded by County Board member Fisher Overstreet and supported by Tyler Williams, passing with nine votes for and one abstention.

While not an outright moratorium, the resolution signals the board's commitment to due diligence regarding potential environmental impacts, water usage, noise levels, and effects on power bills. Board members, including Overstreet and Williams, stated they would vote against data center projects if applications were submitted under current conditions. This action comes after rumors of a potential data center south of Dix prompted property owner inquiries and an interconnection application to Ameren, though no zoning or building permits have been filed with Jefferson County.

Separately, the Village of Dix responded to the same public concerns by enacting a 180-day moratorium on new solar farms, data centers, and warehouse facilities. County Board Chairman Cliff Lindemann abstained from the Jefferson County vote, preferring more research due to potential property tax revenue, but supported the resolution's emphasis on due diligence over a full moratorium, which the county's legal team advised against due to Jefferson County not being a "zoned county."

The resolution underscores the board's commitment to protecting the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for Jefferson County residents, emphasizing that significant public concern regarding water resources, energy, land use, noise, environmental quality, and public safety warrants careful evaluation and meaningful public participation.