Illinois' POWER Act data center regulation won’t move forward this spring
The POWER Act, an expansive bill designed to regulate data centers in Illinois, will not pass the General Assembly by the spring deadline. Despite this, leaders indicate the bill is not dead and negotiations are set to continue throughout the summer.
The POWER Act, a significant bill aimed at regulating data centers across Illinois, has reached a procedural stall and will not meet the General Assembly's May 31 deadline for passage this spring. Key figures involved, including Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), have affirmed that while the bill's immediate progress is halted, it is not considered defunct. Discussions and negotiations among stakeholders are scheduled to resume and continue through the summer months, indicating an ongoing effort to advance the legislation. A public forum regarding data centers and the POWER Act was held at the Bloomington Public Library, highlighting local engagement with the statewide legislative effort.