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.
Vernon Township
Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies
Vernon Township prohibits defined data centers, including AI-processing and cryptocurrency-mining facilities, in all zoning districts, while exempting ordinary business servers and certain communications infrastructure.
current law · Township of VernonProhibits data centers in every zoning district in Vernon Township by amending Chapter 330 of the Township Code; the ordinance was adopted on June 22, 2026, after a public hearing and unanimous council approval (meeting minutes).Vernon Township Ordinance 26-11 (2026)
What this means
The ordinance defines data centers broadly, including facilities for AI processing and cryptocurrency mining, then prohibits them in every zoning district. It excludes ordinary business server equipment and certain communications infrastructure, but otherwise amounts to an outright ban on data centers as defined.
People behind it
- Vernon Township Council
Municipal legislative body that enacted Ordinance #26-11 defining and prohibiting data centers.
- Council Member Carl Contino
Moved to open and close the public hearing on Ordinance #26-11.
- Council Member Sandra Ooms
Seconded the motions to open and close the public hearing on Ordinance #26-11 and seconded the motion to adopt it.
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- Council Member Bradley Sparta
Moved the motion to adopt Ordinance #26-11.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Data centers are prohibited as a permitted use in every zoning district in Vernon Township. The prohibition covers facilities primarily used for storing, managing, processing, or hosting digital data, applications, cloud computing, cryptocurrency mining, or artificial-intelligence processing, including associated cooling systems, backup generators, substations, utility infrastructure, and security facilities. It does not cover customary accessory servers incidental to permitted uses such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, financial institutions, or ordinary businesses, or telecommunications and similar communications infrastructure.
Sources
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