Logan County, Illinois, approved a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data center developments after months of public debate over a proposed $5 billion, 500-megawatt facility by Miami-based Hut 8 Corp.
The county board voted Tuesday, May 20, with six members supporting the pause and four opposing it. Officials said the moratorium provides time to draft zoning rules covering energy generation, property types, noise limits, and decommissioning financial plans.
Hut 8 warned the delay could kill its project near Latham, while some board members argued tax revenue from the facility was needed. Residents at hearings said they preferred modest property tax increases over higher electricity bills tied to data center power demand.
Zoning officer Alan Green said a draft ordinance could reach the board before the moratorium expires. Even after the pause ends, the county may wait until new rules are adopted before accepting applications. Hut 8 has not confirmed whether it will withdraw its proposal.
Hut 8 had proposed a 200-acre project on farm ground in Laenna Township near Latham. The county previously approved a 60-day moratorium in February before extending it. Draft rules modeled partly on Sangamon County include financial plans for site closure. Board Member Gil Turner warned that without the data center deal, taxpayers could face harder budget choices, though residents at hearings disputed that tradeoff.
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Sources:
https://dailycuratednews.substack.com/p/news-headlines-may-22-2026