Data Centers: Daily Notes | September 10, 2026

Lake County, Illinois

The Lake County Board approved an eight‑month moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas, citing the need to study infrastructure, environmental, and community impacts.

Lake County Approves 8-Month Data Center Moratorium

The pause applies to unincorporated areas as officials study regulations, but it does not affect the massive T5 data center project

PatchAmie Schaenzer

The pause does not affect projects already approved by municipalities, including Grayslake’s massive $18 billion T5 campus, which just received its first building permit for an 800,000‑square‑foot facility. County officials said Lake County currently lacks definitions or regulations for data centers under its Unified Development Ordinance. More than 1,200 public comments and hundreds of residents shaped the decision, reflecting widespread concern. Board Chair Sandy Hart said the moratorium is a “critical step” to ensure responsible regulation. The pause will remain in effect through May 2027, with opportunities for residents to weigh in on future ordinance changes.

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene city officials rejected a buyer’s proposal to build a data center at the former Hynix plant, ruling the project prohibited under the site’s E‑1 Campus Employment zoning.

The city said data centers are “almost self‑operating” and do not meet the employment‑focused intent of the zone, despite arguments from the buyer’s attorney that they qualify as IT services. The decision can be appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals, which could uphold, remand, or overturn the ruling. The rejection comes amid a broader statewide debate, with Gov. Tina Kotek pausing data center projects on state‑owned land until 2027 and advocates pushing for a three‑year statewide moratorium. Local groups, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, plan to call for a Eugene moratorium at the Sept. 14 council meeting. City leaders will revisit the issue more broadly in December.

Clinton Township, Pennsylvania

Clinton Township supervisors unanimously rejected Lindy Corporation’s proposal for a 20‑building data center campus after nearly six months of review. A township engineer concluded the plan was not environmentally sound, prompting the denial.

Residents, led by the Save Browndale Mountain Group, celebrated the decision as a major victory for protecting local land. Group leaders said they will continue to resist future proposals, noting the fight may not be over. Supervisor Ken Coles said the application was incomplete and the township was not obligated to grant extensions. Attorneys will meet with Lindy Corp. within 15 days to review deficiencies, leaving open the possibility of a revised submission.

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Ferguson, Missouri

Ferguson’s City Council introduced a new proposal to redevelop the former Emerson Electric headquarters into a large‑scale data center, reviving a plan that stalled in May after a split vote.

Ferguson pushes for new data center at Emerson campus

A Ferguson city councilman is pushing to bring a large-scale data center to the old Emerson Electric campus on West Florissant Avenue.

FOX 2Max Diekneite

The updated version maintains tax incentives but adds a $7.5 million developer commitment to the Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program over 10 years. The project would involve issuing $1 billion in industrial revenue bonds and long‑term tax abatements, sparking opposition from residents concerned about costs and community impact. Dozens packed city hall Wednesday to voice their objections. Supporters argue the redevelopment could bring economic benefits, while critics say incentives are too generous. A second reading is scheduled in two weeks, with the council expected to debate the measure further.

Imperial County, California

Imperial County Superior Court Judge Brooks Anderholt halted development of a nearly 1‑million‑square‑foot data center complex, ruling that county officials violated California’s CEQA law by approving the project without environmental review.

Court overturns approval of Imperial County data center, orders environmental review

Judge L. Brooks Anderholt ruled that county officials illegally shielded the nearly-1 million square-foot data complex from state environmental review.

KPBSKori Suzuki

The decision sided with lawsuits filed by the city of Imperial and the Sierra Club, both of which argued the facility could strain water, power, and air quality. The proposed complex included natural gas generators, a battery system, and a new substation adjacent to the Victoria Ranch neighborhood. Anderholt said the county “prejudicially abused its discretion” by approving a lot merger without analyzing impacts. Developer Sebastian Rucci vowed to appeal, citing $12 million in annual tax revenue the project could generate. Opponents hailed the ruling as a victory for residents demanding transparency and environmental safeguards.

Christiansburg, Virginia

Christiansburg’s Town Council voted 6‑0 to require conditional use permits for all data center proposals, ending their previous by‑right status in industrial zones. Planning Director Retta Jackson and Town Attorney Reid Broughton said the change clarifies vague definitions and ensures more public input.

Mayor Mike Barber noted the amendment could slow or halt applications, reflecting concerns about water demand, energy use, and limited long‑term jobs. Councilwoman Johana Hicks voiced strong opposition to data centers, saying she wants to act quickly to prevent projects under unclear definitions. Councilors plan to revisit definitions later, but the permit requirement will remain in place.

Levy County, Florida

Levy County commissioners unanimously approved a three‑year moratorium on new data centers and other large‑scale facilities with heavy power demands in unincorporated areas.

Ordinance 2026‑05 halts applications, permits, and rezoning until Sept. 30, 2027, giving staff time to study impacts on water, electricity, infrastructure, and the environment. Officials noted the county has no zoning categories or policies addressing data centers, which can require continuous power, cooling, wastewater systems, and backup generators.

The ordinance highlights concerns about groundwater reliance on the Floridan Aquifer, directing staff to examine water supply, drought conditions, and conservation. Exemptions include telecom infrastructure, public safety facilities, and previously approved projects. Staff must present recommendations by August 2027 or provide a status report if regulations are not ready.

Licking County, Ohio

Residents in Heath and Johnstown are pressing for special elections after missing the deadline to place data center restrictions on the November ballot. The proposed charter amendments would mirror measures in ten other Ohio communities, banning facilities that consume more than 25 megawatts of power.

Heath petitioners fell short on valid signatures, while Johnstown’s council said it lacked time to certify petitions before the cutoff. Attorneys now say Heath residents must start a new petition drive, while Johnstown’s council is expected to approve a special election ordinance at a meeting Thursday. Petitioners argue the measures are needed to protect infrastructure, water, and roads from strain. The Licking County Board of Elections said special elections must be scheduled within 60 to 120 days once approved.

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