Illinois is 'not quite ready' to pass data center regulations despite public pressure
The Illinois General Assembly ended its session without passing the POWER Act, a bill proposing regulations on data center water and energy use. Following this, Governor JB Pritzker announced a pause on new data center tax incentives and urged the Assembly to reconsider the legislation during their veto session later this year. Proponents are confident the bill will pass with the Governor's support.
The Illinois General Assembly concluded its 2026 session without advancing the POWER Act, legislation aimed at regulating data centers' water usage, efficiency, and requiring them to bring their own clean energy infrastructure. Despite the bill's popularity, with an April poll showing 68% voter support, Illinois House of Representatives Leader Robyn Gabel acknowledged the state was "not quite ready" for its passage in the initial session.
However, Governor JB Pritzker intervened, announcing a pause on new data center tax incentives and directing the General Assembly to revisit data center regulations during their November veto session. This move provides a boost for the POWER Act's proponents, including Representative Gabel, who expressed confidence in its eventual passage given the Governor's backing. Advocacy groups like Prairie Rivers Network, represented by Director of Climate Policy Andrew Rehn, voiced disappointment over the delay, emphasizing the urgent need for protections as data center proposals continue across Illinois's rural communities. Rehn highlighted the risk of new projects proceeding without essential transparency and resource safeguards in the interim. The article notes that 30+ states have considered data center legislation in 2026, with some like New York enacting moratoriums, signaling a national trend of increasing scrutiny on data center development.