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The McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals passed an amendment regarding AI data center zoning, moving to the county board for further review on March 12. The amendment restricts data centers to manufacturing districts, addressing agricultural land preservation.

It requires applicants to document environmental impacts, particularly water use for cooling. The amendment provides flexible regulations to adapt to diverse data center types, avoiding specific language that may become obsolete.

The county supports state-level legislation concerning data center regulations but has not decided on a ban for existing centers. The board’s discussion will consider future local regulations based on state developments.