Committee member requests county study of data‑center water and energy impacts

A committee member asked Sept. 12 that Kane County research the number and impact of data centers in Illinois and within the county and produce a study on water and energy demand, tax contributions and risks. Committee member Penny Bates (identified in the meeting as "Miss Bates") requested that the county produce research on how many data centers operate in Illinois and Kane County and "what is their impact on energy and water demand?" She said the county should assess benefits and risks, including tax revenue and infrastructure strain. Members noted that siting and approvals for data centers typically occur at the municipal level and pointed to recent local actions. Committee discussion referenced Batavia's recent action to restrict data-center water use and mentioned that Aurora and other municipalities are studying or placing temporary limits to evaluate impacts. Staff cautioned that impacts vary by center depending on cooling technologies, projected load and whether facilities use water-based cooling systems. Members asked staff to compile available municipal studies (Batavia, Aurora) and regional inventories and return to the committee with an initial count and guidance on who should lead any deeper county-level analysis. No formal directive to adopt county-level restrictions was taken during the meeting.