Illinois Congressional Candidate Paul Nolley Calls for Limits on Data Center Development
Democratic congressional candidate Paul Nolley said he opposes rapid data center expansion and would support legislation banning tax incentives, shielding consumers from higher energy costs, and restricting construction in prime farmland and residential areas. His comments came during an interview about the Illinois 16th Congressional District race and addressed national concerns rather than a specific local project.
Paul Nolley, the Democratic candidate challenging Rep. Darin LaHood for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District, said communities are justified in worrying about the rapid growth of artificial intelligence data centers. He cited potential privacy and employment impacts, energy costs, and the use of tax incentives and nondisclosure agreements by data center executives.
Nolley said that, if elected, he would support banning tax incentives for data centers, preventing consumers from bearing additional energy costs, and blocking construction on prime farmland and in residential areas. The interview did not identify a specific data center project or local government action in the district.