PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – The Tazewell County Board’s Land Use Committee reviewed the first draft of a proposed data center ordinance, with the panel wanting to allow such facilities in only industrially zoned land in unincorporated areas, and ban them from agricultural and residential districts.
Under the proposed rules, developers would be required to obtain a special use permit, submit noise modeling studies, and provide water containment plans in the event of fires.
Some community members said the regulations do not go far enough.
“While economic growth is desperately needed in this county, it should not be at the expense of our water, air, energy costs, and lack of actual job openings for our residents,” said East Peoria resident Suzanne Vanderham. “I urge the full board to put a moratorium on all data center projects in the county immediately.”
Data center opponents noted they previously helped cancel a proposed data center project in Pekin and are now pushing to stop another planned facility in Delavan.
No official action was taken at Tuesday’s first reading. The Land Use Committee is scheduled to meet again Tuesday, Aug. 18 to continue discussion on the ordinance’s language.
(Reporting by Kayla Johnson, 25 News)
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