Pritzker backs slower approach to data centers as Bloomington-Normal weighs limits
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is urging a reassessment of data center regulation in the state due to growing concerns about energy and water usage. Concurrently, Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County are considering implementing stricter local regulations and potential moratoriums on data center development.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has called for a deceleration and re-evaluation of data center regulations across the state. Governor Pritzker highlighted escalating concerns regarding the substantial electricity demand and water consumption of data centers, questioning the ongoing provision of tax incentives to these large energy users.
In parallel with the state-level discussions, local jurisdictions in the Bloomington-Normal area are also taking steps to address data center growth. The cities of Bloomington and Normal, along with McLean County, are actively considering the implementation of more stringent local regulations and potential moratoriums on future data center development within their respective boundaries.