Mahomet ends talks with Clean Cloud Energy over proposed data center
Mahomet officials formally ended discussions with Clean Cloud Energy over a proposed data center after strong public opposition. Village leaders will work on possible policies governing nondisclosure agreements, while residents and Trustee Bruce Colravy continue pressing for greater transparency and protections for the Mahomet Aquifer.
The Village of Mahomet formally ended discussions with data center developer Clean Cloud Energy at an Oct. 20 study session. Village President Jason Tompkins said the developer never submitted a formal application, and credited overwhelming public opposition and additional discussions with the company for ending the project. The proposal had been discussed privately under a nondisclosure agreement signed by the village administrator and staff, prompting criticism from residents and trustees who said the public learned about the talks too late.
Trustee Bruce Colravy, an outspoken opponent, called for a ban on nondisclosure agreements for people acting on the village's behalf and sought action on data centers in Champaign County and state aquifer protections. Tompkins directed staff to work with Colravy on a possible resolution, while trustees debated whether broader local restrictions or a state-level policy would provide the best protection. The village said any future data center proposal would require public review, zoning consideration and an extensive findings-of-fact process.