Lawrence County, Illinois, approves two-year data center moratorium
The Lawrence County Board in Illinois has unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on new data center development exceeding 10,000 square feet. This pause is intended to allow local officials and residents to study the potential impacts, infrastructure demands, and community effects of data centers. Public testimony, including concerns about agricultural land use and resource consumption, significantly influenced the board's decision.
The Lawrence County Board in Illinois has unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on data center development, specifically halting facilities larger than 10,000 square feet. Board Chairman Jim Brewer stated the pause aims to educate board members and citizens on the potential benefits and problems associated with data centers, emphasizing a cautious approach to the unknown impacts.
Board member Grant McDonald highlighted that data centers carry substantial infrastructure considerations, comparing them to large utility developments like solar and wind projects, and noted concerns regarding "farm ground and water." The ordinance was modeled after a similar moratorium in neighboring Crawford County, with legal assistance from both counties' State's Attorneys, Brady Waldrop and Cole Shaner.
Public testimony from a previous meeting played a significant role in the board's decision. Community opinions are mixed, but several residents, including farmers, raised concerns about agricultural land use and resource consumption. Chairman Brewer specifically mentioned an individual from Sullivan County, Indiana, who provided firsthand experience regarding data center development that was "not as rosy" as initially expected. The board plans to utilize the two-year period to assess data center regulations and gather further information.