Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs data center order and pushes City Council for moratorium

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Tuesday, instructing city departments to enhance their oversight of new data center developments. The order mandates more stringent air pollution assessments, the introduction of noise regulations, and expanded authority for city officials to scrutinize water and electricity consumption at data center facilities. However, the order does not outright cap or ban new construction.

Simultaneously, Mayor Johnson urged the City Council to enact a temporary moratorium on new data center projects. He emphasized that a pause is crucial to ensure that new developments do not proceed unchecked while the Council devises comprehensive protections for Chicago residents, citing concerns over the industry's rapid expansion driven by artificial intelligence. The mayor stated that Chicago would actively set the terms for technological development, prioritizing citizens' well-being.

This action represents the city's most robust response to data centers, which have drawn criticism for noise, pollution, and high resource usage. The Mayor's order aligns with efforts by City Council Environmental Chair Ald. Maria Hadden, who proposed an ordinance in July requiring data centers to report their electricity and water usage. The move received quick praise from environmental groups like the Illinois Environmental Council and the Citizens Utility Board, who warn of rising electric bills and threats to grid reliability and water supply due to data center expansion.

Mayor Johnson also called on state legislators to pass the POWER Act, a bill aimed at regulating large 'hyper-scale' data centers typically built outside urban areas. He defended his stance against potential economic impacts, asserting that protecting Chicago's access to the Great Lakes and prioritizing working people outweighs concerns about slowing business growth.