County Board Vote on Data Center Moratorium
The Community News Brief published an article Friday, Aug. 21 on the McDonough County Board’s Aug. 19 vote in regards to a resolution for a one-year moratorium on data centers in this county. I highly suggest reading the article. According to the article, the majority of the board voted against a one-year moratorium on data centers in the county.
Voting against the one- year moratorium were: Eric Blakeley, Eric Chapman, Clayton Cook, Dave Cortelyou, Mike Cox, Craig Foster, Travis Hiel, Vicky Kipling, Ryan Litchfield, Jared Royer, Jerry Rabey, and Riley Smith.
Voting in favor of the moratorium were: Ken Durkin, Joe Erlandson, Allen Henderson, Mike Kirby. Terry Thompson, Dana Walker, and Roger Ward.
The article further stated that those voting against a one-year moratorium did so as they cited economic development that the data centers could bring to the county. It is my understanding that those in favor of the moratorium did so with the thought of protecting the county and its residents from any potential harm until the state of Illinois develops regulations to safeguard local residents.
There has been rapid growth of data centers. Articles on this growth have cited the issue that the centers use large amounts of water and electricity and that local residents have found their own personal bills increasing drastically. Over half the data centers are powered by fossil fuels, which then boost CO2 emissions causing more environmental damage. Further, local residents around data centers have complained of the constant noise from the centers. The Community News Brief details the environmental impact these data centers are having in more detail.
Currently, there are more than 100 moratoriums against construction of data centers passed by towns and cities throughout the country. Residents are becoming more vocal on data centers being constructed in their communities. As more information is becoming available, more areas are rejecting these data centers until better regulations are developed to safeguard residents. Safeguarding those that reside here seems more important than chasing an “economic opportunity.”
I would think placing a one-year moratorium on data centers while the state develops regulations seems reasonable. I would urge residents of the county to read the full article and then talk to your county board representative about their vote on this issue.
Lastly, I would strongly suggest you vote this Election Day for those candidates that most represent your values. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, be knowledgeable about the issues. Vote for the individual candidates that represent you and what you care about and not simply vote the party line. You have choices in most of the races. Lorrie Chaplin Macomb, Il.
