Illinois representative introduces data center regulation bill
Illinois Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer introduced legislation that would give counties and municipalities more authority over data center siting, zoning, water use and other impacts. The bill comes amid opposition to a CyrusOne project in Sangamon County and a six-month data center construction moratorium in Morgan County.
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, introduced a bill that would expand local control over data center development in Illinois. The proposal would allow counties to regulate issues including zoning, water use, noise mitigation, size, height, design and siting, while requiring a public hearing at least 30 days before a county board acts on a project. Municipalities could also regulate data center locations up to 1.5 miles beyond their zoning boundaries.
The legislation follows growing local opposition to data centers. Morgan County commissioners imposed a six-month construction moratorium while they develop zoning standards, and residents in nearby Sangamon County have sought a referendum on regulations after the county board approved a 280-acre CyrusOne project in Talkington Township. Waverly officials have separately examined potential effects on the community water system.
The bill’s prospects remain uncertain because Davidsmeyer is a member of the legislative minority party and it has not yet been assigned to a committee. Gov. JB Pritzker paused a data center tax credit amid backlash, while Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has supported local control while arguing that data centers are strategically necessary.