Data Center Task Force - October 7, 2026 - Champaign County

The Champaign County Data Center Activities Task Force met on October 7, 2026, to review proposed provisions for a draft data center ordinance. Public comments raised concerns about water and electricity use, utility rates, noise, pollution, and the county’s capacity to regulate large facilities. Members debated size thresholds— including 10- and 24-megawatt options and tiered requirements—along with aggregate site loads, disclosure and permitting for on-site combustion equipment, prime farmland and water protections, wildlife surveys and mitigation, renewable-energy requirements, and decommissioning. No ordinance provisions or procurement actions were approved. Members supported further work on habitat protections; the chair said a proposed letter sharing the task force’s concerns and work with other local governments would be revised for feedback. The task force also discussed a 2,200-foot noise separation distance, with a member suggesting 2,400 feet; staff will update the draft and return with further options. Legal review was proposed for suggested restrictions involving farmland and water.