DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - What are the effects of large-scale data centers, and how could they impact you?
“What's the worst possible outcome you could have from this?” said Dawn Dannenbring of the Illinois People's Action.
These are some of the questions organizers hoped to answer during the “Let's Talk Data Centers” town hall Wednesday night. Hundreds of residents attended the meeting, hoping to get clarity about how large-scale data centers could affect the community.
One main concern is the environmental impact.
“We were in a big drought in 2025, so water stress is coming,” said Andrew Rehn of Prairie Rivers Network.
Lake Decatur is the city's primary water source. Rehn said residents need to consider how data center operations could affect the quantity and quality of the community's water supply.
“You still need to be thinking about protecting and preserving the water quantities and the water quality of what you drink,” Rehn said.
Electricity rates are also a concern for many residents.
MISO is the power grid operator for the region and works to ensure there is enough electricity to meet demand.
Scott Allen said AI data centers are helping drive that demand higher.
“And so, it makes our bills go up. Capacity is about 20% to 30% of our energy bills,” said Scott Allen of the Citizens Utility Board.
The final concern — public trust.
The Macon County Zoning Board recommended a 12-month moratorium on data center developments, but the county board has not voted on it.
“They will never tell the city or the county what the worst-case scenarios might be. This is why we need the moratorium, so that we have time,” Dannenbring said.
This is the group's 25th town hall, and organizers say they plan to keep going until their voices are heard.
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