Data Center Protest Held in Morris on Saturday
Residents in Morris, Illinois, held a "No Data Center" protest to voice concerns over a proposed hyperscale data center development. Opponents are worried about the project's impact on farmland, local utilities, electricity, and water usage. The protest highlights growing debate across Illinois over large-scale data facilities.
Residents of Morris, Illinois, staged a protest on Saturday against a proposed hyperscale data center development near Route 47 and Green Acres Drive. The demonstration, part of a nationwide "No Data Center" effort, was organized by Jodi Juricic-Pollack and drew attention to local concerns.
Opponents, including Grundy County Rod & Gun Club member Patti Walker and Morris resident Jason Easton, are primarily worried about the environmental impact, specifically the permanent removal of hundreds of acres of farmland near Gun Club Road and Route 6. This land was reportedly purchased by the Tract company for potential sale to a data center developer. They also expressed concerns about the substantial electricity and water consumption required by such facilities, and a perceived lack of transparency from developers. The city of Morris declined to comment on the protest.