URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — A proposed moratorium on large-scale data center development in Champaign County is moving forward after action by local officials.

The Champaign County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to advance a proposed 12-month moratorium following a public hearing that included extensive community input.

The proposal would temporarily halt development of large data centers in the county while officials study potential impacts and consider future regulations.

The measure will next go before the Champaign County Board Environmental Land Use Committee, potentially as soon as April 9, before heading to the full county board for a final vote, which could take place later in the month.

In response, Prairie Rivers Network praised the decision, saying the pause would allow time for research and planning.

“This moratorium… will enable the board to do the necessary research and planning to create a thoughtful, robust ordinance that will hold data center developers accountable,” the organization said in a statement.

Prairie Rivers Network also noted concerns about the rapid expansion of data centers across Illinois, saying communities should have a stronger voice in decisions that could affect local resources like water and power.

If approved, the moratorium would temporarily delay new data center projects while officials evaluate long-term policies.