Lawmakers hear debate over data center impacts

Illinois lawmakers convened an investigative hearing on Wednesday to address the widespread impacts of over 100 new data center projects recently developed across the state. Testimonies from local government leaders highlighted both economic benefits and community concerns. DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes reported that a Meta data center, operational since 2023, has substantially lowered local aggregate tax rates from 11.5% to 7.9%, increasing the school district's levy by $19 million annually. Similarly, Aurora Mayor John Laesch noted an approximate $1.6 million annual revenue boost from property and utility taxes. However, Laesch also conveyed resident concerns regarding increased power consumption amid rising rates and persistent low-frequency noise pollution, which residents described as causing sleep disturbances and stress. Rep. Dan Ugaste drew a parallel between data center noise and that from renewable energy projects, advocating for consistent noise regulations. Former Sangamon County Board Representative Marc Ayers discussed the contentious debate surrounding a proposed CyrusOne data center near Springfield. Despite opposition from activists, the Sangamon County Board approved the necessary zoning changes, allowing the project to proceed. This hearing is the first in a planned series, aiming to gather information to shape future legislation concerning the burgeoning data center industry in Illinois.