In Bloomington's McLean County Board District 7, candidates talk data centers and government accountability
McLean County Board candidates Geoff Tompkins and John Poling said they oppose data centers because of potential impacts on electricity demand, water resources and the environment. Both support regulations recently adopted by the county requiring developers to address infrastructure, utility, water, environmental and decommissioning impacts.
Republican incumbent Geoff Tompkins and Democratic challenger John D. Poling, candidates for a McLean County Board District 7 seat representing parts of Bloomington, said they are opposed to data centers in the county. Poling cited concerns about the electricity demand of hyperscale facilities, potential strain on the power grid and uncertainties around closed-loop water systems. Tompkins said he would oppose facilities that visibly or audibly affect residents or consume local natural resources and electricity.
The McLean County Board recently adopted stringent data center regulations requiring developers to document impacts on roads, emergency services and utilities, along with water use, wastewater, groundwater effects, electricity consumption, fire-response needs and site decommissioning. Both candidates support those rules, although Poling said he would likely approve a project that met all county requirements because the board would be legally obligated to follow them, while Tompkins said he would probably vote no even if a developer satisfied the requirements.