Over the past several weeks, I’ve heard from a large number of residents regarding the proposed data centers in the Yorkville area – and the message has been clear.
The majority of residents don’t want them, with quality of life a primary concern. I also took the step of running a public poll to better understand the community’s pulse. The results weren’t close. Opposition overwhelmingly outweighs support, both from the general public and targeted voters.
As a result, I oppose moving forward with these data centers as presented. Now, let me be just as clear on something else: this decision is a local one. Land use and zoning should be handled by local officials, not dictated by Springfield. Illinois learned this lesson the hard way.
In 2023, during lame-duck, Springfield passed HB4412, removing local control regarding the location of wind and solar developments. Since then, these developments have pushed into communities with essentially no ability for local officials to stop them – regardless of location or impact. It’s wrong!
So, for data centers, we collectively cannot oppose state overreach in one situation and then request it in another.
But local control only works if it reflects the will of the residents.
Right now, the will of the residents in the Yorkville community is clear. There is strong, widespread opposition to these data centers. And given the size, scope, and long-term unknowns surrounding these developments – from environmental strains to infrastructure demands to quality-of-life concerns – residents are cautious.
It’s why I am urging local officials to follow the community’s clear direction and decline these data centers as presented. The level of opposition is too significant to ignore. Any consideration moving forward should follow a transparent process, up to and including placing the question on the ballot, so the residents make the final call.
At the state level, I didn’t sit on the sidelines. After hearing directly from residents, I filed one of the only bills this session addressing data centers. However, the majority party chose not to advance a single “data center” bill during committee deadline week – not one. This lack of action speaks volumes. Regardless, I remain vigilant and am filing additional legislation soon.
If something moves later this session, it will likely come through a shell bill, omnibus package, or gut-and replace tactic. These processes sadly lack transparency and often shut out the very people most affected.
So, for now, this decision remains where it belongs – at the local level. And the expectation should be simple: listen to the residents you represent.