As Illinois Lawmakers Debate POWER Act, Concerns about Data Centers Spill Into Rural Communities
The Sangamon County Board approved a $500 million CyrusOne data center development in Talkington Township despite significant community opposition and protests. Separately, Champaign County enacted a year-long moratorium on data center development to address resident concerns over energy and water usage. Meanwhile, the Illinois state legislature is actively debating the proposed POWER Act, a bill seeking to regulate data centers' water and energy consumption statewide.
In late April, an informational session in Bloomington, Illinois, highlighted growing community awareness and concerns about data centers, particularly following the controversial approval of a $500 million facility in Sangamon County. The event, organized by a local library and nonprofits, attracted nearly 100 residents eager to learn about data center impacts.
On April 7, the Sangamon County Board voted 17-10 to approve a data center by Dallas-based CyrusOne on 280 acres of farmland in rural Talkington Township, about 30 miles southwest of Springfield. This decision came after months of intense debate and an organized protest a day prior to the vote. Union leaders and workers supported the project due to the promise of 500 construction jobs, while opponents raised environmental and resource concerns. Ryan McCrady, President and CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, confirmed ongoing permitting for the project, with CyrusOne stating it remains focused on local economic growth.
Following the Sangamon County vote, activists have shifted their focus to state-level regulation. The Illinois state legislature is currently debating the proposed POWER Act (Protecting Our Water and Energy Resources), which would require data centers to obtain water impact permits, use efficient computing methods, and disclose infrastructure costs. House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, who introduced the bill, emphasized resident concerns about data center water usage potentially draining aquifers. Brad Tietz from the Data Center Coalition acknowledged the need for water policy reform but cautioned against singling out the data center industry.
Beyond Sangamon County, Champaign County's board enacted a year-long moratorium on data center development on April 23, driven by residents' concerns over energy and water needs. This pause will allow a county task force to develop new zoning and permitting standards. Andrew Rehn, director of climate policy at Prairie Rivers Network, noted broad statewide support for regulatory action, with a poll indicating 68% of Illinois voters back the POWER Act. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition plans a lobby day on May 30 to advocate for the bill's passage before the legislative session concludes.