Champaign County Exec Candidates Discuss Climate Change, Data Centers

Jett and Hess outline plans to address local impacts of climate change and protect the Mahomet Aquifer

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In the final week before the Democratic primary for Champaign County executive, candidates Michelle Jett and Sanford Hess answered reader questions on the county's role in addressing climate change and the potential impact of data centers on the region's water supply.

Why it matters

As climate change intensifies, Champaign County faces growing challenges such as extreme weather, drought, and pressure on its water resources. The county executive will play a key role in leading the community's response to these issues.

The details

Jett and Hess both acknowledged the county board's responsibility to address climate change impacts, including investing in resilient infrastructure, protecting the Mahomet Aquifer, and expanding renewable energy. Jett highlighted the county's recent ARPA-funded initiatives, while Hess emphasized the need for collaboration with local governments and community organizations. Regarding data centers, the candidates supported the county's proactive approach, including a moratorium and the creation of a task force to develop guidelines. Jett emphasized the need to prioritize water protection, while Hess stressed the importance of carefully evaluating any data center proposals to ensure they align with the county's interests.

  • The Democratic primary election is one week from today, on March 17, 2026.
  • In February 2026, the Champaign County Board created a Data Center Activities Task Force and implemented a 12-month moratorium on data center permitting.

The players

Michelle Jett

A Democratic candidate for Champaign County executive who has outlined plans to address climate change impacts and protect the Mahomet Aquifer.

Sanford Hess

A Democratic candidate for Champaign County executive who has emphasized the need for collaboration and a careful approach to data center development.

Champaign County Board

The governing body of Champaign County that has taken steps to address climate change and regulate data centers, including creating a task force and implementing a moratorium.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely, there is a role for the county board and the county executive's office in addressing climate change locally.”

— Michelle Jett, Democratic Candidate for Champaign County Executive (news-gazette.com)

“Yes, there is a role for the county board (and generally, the county) in addressing, and preparing for, the impacts of climate change on our community.”

— Sanford Hess, Democratic Candidate for Champaign County Executive (news-gazette.com)

What’s next

The Champaign County Board's Data Center Activities Task Force is expected to complete its work and provide recommendations within the next 12 months, after which the county may consider new regulations or policies regarding data center development.

The takeaway

Champaign County's candidates for executive are taking a proactive approach to addressing the local impacts of climate change and managing the potential risks posed by data centers, with a focus on protecting the region's critical water resources.