Business & Tech
McHenry County Eyes Moratorium On New Data Centers
The proposed 12-month pause would apply to unincorporated areas as county officials consider how to regulate the growing industry.
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — McHenry County officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas while the county reviews how such developments should be addressed in its ordinances.
The proposed pause would temporarily halt applications and approvals involving zoning changes, conditional-use permits, site plans, variances and building permits for data centers, although the County Board could modify, extend or repeal the moratorium before it expires, Shaw Local is reporting.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns locally and nationally about data centers’ potential effects on electricity costs, water supplies and energy demand and follows Lake County’s approval of an eight-month moratorium in September, according to the article.
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McHenry County’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee is expected to consider the proposal Tuesday, with a potential vote by the full County Board in November.
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