The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Town of Normal
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Anti-Data Center Policies
Normal has enacted temporary pauses on data-center applications, reviews, approvals, and permits through November 30, 2026, including a six-month extension while land-use rules are developed; existing centers’ operations are not described as halted.
Rating from McLean County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Town of Normal.
current law · Town of NormalPauses data center development in Normal by prohibiting applications, approvals, and permits through November 30, 2026.Town of Normal Ordinance No. 6063, Moratorium on Data Center Facilities
What this means
The measure would pause applications, reviews, approvals, and permits for data centers through November 30, 2026. That creates a substantial temporary barrier to building or expanding facilities, though the source does not say it would stop existing centers from operating.
Timing
- Ends
- Nov 30, 2026
The moratorium on receiving, processing, approving, and issuing permits or approvals for data centers remains in effect through this date.
People behind it
- Jacob Smith
Prepared the staff report recommending the Harmon Arts Grant awards.
- Kevin McCarthy
Moved Council approval of the omnibus agenda, bond-sale extension ordinance, IDOT funding agreement, Lumen amendment, and data-center moratorium.
- Rory Roberge
Seconded approval of the omnibus agenda and the data-center moratorium.
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- Ryan Otto
Prepared the staff reports for the bridge and culvert repairs project and the underpass-related measures.
- Andrew Huhn
Prepared the staff report for the bond-sale extension ordinance and administered the Town’s financing and refunding analysis.
- Karyn Smith
Seconded approval of the bond-sale extension ordinance, IDOT funding agreement, and Lumen amendment; moved approval of the underpass construction contract.
- Brian Day
Prepared the staff report recommending the data-center facilities moratorium.
- Pamela Reece
Introduced the data-center facilities moratorium as a proactive measure and presented the staff recommendation for it.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Moratorium on data-center development: the Town will not accept applications for, process or approve applications for, or issue any type of permit or approval for data centers through November 30, 2026.
Delayed effective date: the moratorium ordinance takes effect 10 days after publication in pamphlet form.
Sources
current law · Town of NormalEstablishes a six-month pause on data center facilities while the town develops land-use rules.Town of Normal Ordinance No. 6078, Extension of Data Center Moratorium
What this means
The measure would pause data center proposals for six months while the Town develops land-use rules, delaying new construction and expansion. No applications had been received, and the sources do not say it would stop existing data centers from operating.
Timing
- Ends
- six months
The meeting minutes describe Ordinance No. 6063 as establishing a six-month moratorium on data center facilities. The source does not specify a calendar expiration date or state whether the period runs from adoption.
People behind it
- Councilmember Kevin McCarthy
Moved approval of the bond-sale extension, IDOT funding agreement, Lumen relocation agreement, and data-center moratorium; seconded approval of the underpass construction contract.
- Councilmember Karyn Smith
Seconded approval of the bond-sale extension, IDOT funding agreement, and Lumen relocation agreement; moved approval of the underpass construction contract.
- Councilmember Rory Roberge
Seconded approval of the data-center moratorium.
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- City Manager Pamela Reece
Introduced the data-center moratorium as a proactive measure and described its administrative purpose.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Establishes a six-month moratorium on data center facilities, temporarily preventing data center proposals or development while Town staff develop land-use regulations and recommendations.
Sources
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