Illinois towns prioritize economic growth over environmental concerns

Minooka, a small town in Illinois, is considering a large data center project proposed by Equinix, a California-based company. The proposed center would cover 340 acres and use significant resources, including 3 million gallons of water daily and 700 megawatts of electricity. This amount of water represents a third of what Minooka can draw from a new pipeline accessing Lake Michigan water. Mayor Ric Offerman believes the project could bring much-needed jobs and tax revenue to the village of about 13,000 residents. However, the project raises environmental concerns. The water needed for cooling the data center might complicate Minooka's efforts to shift away from depleting underground aquifers while also posing challenges to Illinois' clean energy objectives. Equinix’s Matt Baumann noted there is uncertainty about whether the center will be built due to ongoing negotiations about power and water access. Local farmers, like Dan and Dee Roberts, who have farmed their land for decades, express concern about losing their homes to the development. Although Equinix does not plan to forcibly remove them, the sale of their family land remains a risk. Dee notes that the emotional toll of potential relocation from a place where they have significant memories and investments is heavy. The proposal has sparked debates around energy consumption, especially given the increasing demands from data centers statewide. With a goal to end fossil fuel use in power generation by 2045, the rise in data center requests complicates Illinois’ environmental targets. Many local officials and citizens are grappling with balancing economic development against environmental responsibilities. A recent village board meeting highlighted the logistical challenges surrounding the project, including water usage and the need for substantial electricity hookups. Regulatory hurdles and the implications of using drinkable water for cooling data centers are under scrutiny. Given the urgency of these matters, the village administrator is striving to keep infrastructure costs manageable for residents. Despite these hurdles, some view the potential economic benefits as an opportunity for growth. Mayor Offerman considers the data center a preferable alternative to other developments that could bring heavy truck traffic or less sustainable industries to Minooka. However, as the community continues to grow, residents are wary about the long-term impacts on their environment and quality of life.