Reject data center construction in Evanston, IL

1,005

The Issue

 

Article by Evanston Roundtable about zoning filed for data center (2026)

Evanston, Illinois is known for its vibrant community, rich history, and beautiful landscapes. It is a city cherished by its residents for its commitment to sustainability and the environment. However, the proposed construction of a new data center threatens to disrupt our town’s serene ambiance and ecological balance.

Residents of Evanston are deeply concerned about the negative impacts that a data center could bring to our community. Data centers, require massive amounts of energy and water to operate, leading to significant carbon emissions and water usage. Constructing such a facility in Evanston could dramatically alter our environmental footprint, contradicting the sustainable values we hold dear.

Moreover, the aesthetic and structural changes required for such a large-scale development could overrun our charming neighborhoods with increased traffic and noise pollution while increasing residents utility bills, for sure. 

Evanston is known for championing green initiatives, like the Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which targets carbon neutrality by 2050. Building a data center does not align with these crucial environmental goals. Instead, we should focus on innovative solutions that foster tech growth without compromising our commitment to sustainability.

We urge the city council to reconsider this development and explore alternatives that better align with Evanston's values and aspirations. For instance, encouraging smaller, decentralized tech hubs or supporting cloud service models that rely on sustainable energy sources can allow technological progress without comprising our environmental integrity.

Let us safeguard the charm and health of Evanston for current and future generations by saying NO to a data center in our city.

 

Sign this petition if you believe in a sustainable future for Evanston, focused on preserving our natural beauty and community values while advancing in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.

avatar of the starter
Whitney RobertsPetition StarterMean people are ugly

The Decision Makers

Evanston City Council
8 Members
Bobby Burns
Evanston City Council - Ward 5
Parielle Davis
Evanston City Council - Ward 7
Juan Geracaris
Evanston City Council - Ward 9
Shawn Iles
Evanston City Council - Ward 3

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates