A proposed $500 million data center in Sangamon County is drawing mixed reactions from residents and officials. Supporters point to economic growth, job creation and investment. Critics raise concerns about environmental impact, water use and rising energy costs.
I must say, the more I learn about them, the more concerned I am...
by Judith Ruiz-BranchPublic News Service
CHICAGO - Rural Illinois is another area where tech companies are looking to build massive artificial-intelligence data centers. Communities are split on whether they should welcome them. A proposed $500 million data center by CyrusOne in Sangamon County that would utilize about 280 acres of farmland has sparked debate among residents, officials and lawmakers. Supporters highlight economic benefits such as construction jobs, permanent employment and local investment. Critics counter that there would be a limited number of local jobs, and also raise concern about environmental impacts, rising electricity costs and water usage. Local activist Lori McKiernan with the Coalition for Springfield’s Utility Future called for more scrutiny. "I’m not against data centers, but I must say, the more I learn about them, the more concerned I am," she said. "And I want our county board to do their due diligence to address all of these concerns and make sure they’re not impacting their constituents." The Sangamon County Board voted to postpone a final vote on the proposed project after hours of public opposition. The decision delays the approval of what would be the county’s first major data center. Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers are considering new regulations, including the Power Act, which would require data centers to use clean energy, cover infrastructure costs, and disclose water and environmental impacts. Scott Allen, a policy analyst for the Citizens Utility Board, said this comes amid broader concern that large data centers could shift utility costs onto residents. "This legislative session that’s currently underway is going to be the data center legislative session," he said. "Especially at the legislative level, we’re not going to get anything done until this data center thing is figured out." Sangamon County is just the latest community in Illinois to put a pause on data center projects. Neighboring towns and cities have passed moratoriums on data center applications and have turned projects down.
