There have been many news stories recently about the out-of-state company Monarch Energy’s plans to build a new data center on 1300 acres of land south of Chicago-Rockford International Airport. The land lies north of Edson Rd. and south of Kilbuck Creek and Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve. There are several housing developments not far from the proposed site.

Data centers like the one Monarch is proposing can have negative impacts on communities where they are located. These centers require huge amounts of electrical power. Additionally, they use large quantities of water to regulate their computer servers’ temperature. Many communities that host large data centers have seen significant increases in consumer electricity and water costs. Data Centers create a constant humming noise that can be very bothersome to those living nearby, and they can be visually unappealing. Both of these factors negatively impact quality of life and property values.

To find out more about the Monarch Energy project, check out WIFR’s website.  You can also watch this YouTube video for an in-depth analysis of the impact of large data centers on communities that host them.

NWRV has joined together with other local nonprofits and concerned residents. Together, we are working to raise awareness on the impacts data centers have on the environment, health as well as energy consumption and cost. Our goal currently is to put the project on pause by asking for moratorium. We hosted a public informational meeting May 5.