Proposed Illinois POWER Act Would Require Data Centers to Disclose Water and Energy Use
The proposed Illinois POWER Act would require data centers to disclose their water usage and energy consumption to surrounding communities. It would also require large data centers to help pay for energy infrastructure upgrades and promote analysis of potential environmental and public health impacts.
The proposed Protecting our Water, Energy and Resources Act, known as the Illinois POWER Act, would increase transparency around data center water consumption and energy use. Supporters say the measure would give communities information needed to hold data center operators accountable and require large energy users to pay for infrastructure upgrades rather than shifting those costs to residential customers.
Amy Doll of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves and political science professor Scot Schraufnagel said data center growth could strain energy grids and water resources, with low-income communities particularly vulnerable to higher costs and environmental impacts. The Alliance for the Great Lakes supports the legislation, citing concerns about water use near the Great Lakes. No vote date has been set, though lawmakers could consider the bill during the fall veto session.