Daniel Rhyne
RepublicanQ1 Illinois currently has 138 data centers, with 8 underway, and plans for 29 more. Additionally, the cost of electricity and water are on the rise with nearby data centers straining current resources in combination with increased energy costs to consumers. Data centers also have several environmental and health impacts, such as significant water usage and noise pollution, which can lead to decrease in net economic gains. What policies, if any, do you support in managing existing data centers or establishing additional data centers? What specific plans do you have, if any, to mitigate utility cost burden for residents? Why these steps?
I would require new data centers be built at least a mile away from homes. I would also require them to supply their own energy and use a closed water system like we use out at our steel mill. They essentially run the water through the machines to cool them, then the water goes through a cooling tower to bring the temperature back down, and it goes through the machine again to cool the machine and back through the cooling tower and so on and so on. We actually use a closed system like this out at US steel in Granite City, and it is extremely efficient on water usage. Of course, you still have to add some, but nowhere near the amount that is being discussed in the news. And as far as electricity goes, I would never agree to anything that’s gonna drive rates up more. We already have some of the worst rates in the nation
Q2 Research activities in Illinois heavily depend on federal funding. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leaves the future for science research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to secure funding for continued science research at either the state or federal level?
I would always want to fund science. It is an essential part of a society surviving. My main objective would be to get politics out of science. Everyone is so divided, you couldn’t get the two parties to agree that the sky is blue. We have to get rid of that and bring common sense back into the equation.
Q3 Illinois is an agricultural hub, making it an important factor for the state’s economy. What policies or plans do you have, or support, to support Illinois agriculture against changing weather patterns?
I would always support the farmers of Illinois. I would surround myself with the people that actually do this for a living (the farmers). I would listen to them, I would take what they said to Springfield and I would fight for farmers.
Q4 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.
I always try to get my information from multiple sources. I go to people I trust. and I still use my own judgment. One example of this was during Covid, while everyone kept saying to get the shot and the fact that my family had already tested positive, I did not want to get the shot because I believe in herd immunity.
Q5 Measles and whooping cough (pertussis) cases are on the rise in Illinois, with multiple outbreaks in 2026. How have you, how do you plan to, address this public health concern? How will you plan to work with relevant stakeholders (epidemiologists, scientists, physicians, for example) to mitigate this problem?
I think my best to encourage people to get vaccinated. These are time-tested and proven vaccinations. and I just believe it is irresponsible not to get them. I would use my platform to work with all relevant people regarding this issue.