Will County Board member Destinee Ortiz seeks Flock camera ban, data center moratorium
Will County Board member Destinee Ortiz has proposed a temporary moratorium on new data center developments so the county can study their environmental effects. The resolution is scheduled for discussion by the board’s Executive Committee but no vote is expected at the initial meeting.
Will County Board member Destinee Ortiz, a Romeoville Democrat, submitted a resolution seeking a temporary pause on data center development in the county. She said the moratorium would allow officials to study environmental effects and gather information before considering future projects. Board member Judy Ogalla said she had requested a moratorium since the winter and supports it as a measure to protect the county.
The proposal is scheduled for placement on the Will County Board Executive Committee agenda, where it could be referred to another committee for review. Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne said the county already has authority to deny data center projects and noted that many facilities depend on municipal water systems. The Illinois General Assembly is also expected to consider data center energy and environmental legislation, while Gov. JB Pritzker has paused related tax incentives.