Pressure mounts for lawmakers to regulate new data centers
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is urging state lawmakers to pass the POWER Act to implement uniform statewide regulations for data centers, including requirements for clean energy investment and closed-loop water cooling systems. This push comes as more Illinois municipalities consider local moratoriums on data center construction. The legislation failed to pass in the spring session but is expected to be revisited in the upcoming fall veto session.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is actively advocating for state lawmakers to enact comprehensive, uniform regulations for data centers across the state. The proposed legislation, known as the POWER Act, aims to standardize rules for data center construction and operation, addressing concerns about energy and water consumption.
The Governor emphasized the need for data centers to invest in clean energy sources and utilize closed-loop water cooling systems to reduce reliance on local water supplies. This push for statewide regulation comes amidst a growing trend of Illinois municipalities exploring and implementing their own moratoriums on data center development, creating a patchwork of local rules.
State Representative Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, offered a contrasting view, highlighting the economic benefits data centers can bring to communities, citing the Meta data center in DeKalb as an example. He also noted potential misconceptions about their environmental impact, stating that the Meta facility's water usage is comparable to a university dorm building and uses outside air for cooling in winter. Despite some pushback, Governor Pritzker is resolute in his efforts, noting that his freeze on tax benefits for new projects has already slowed development, creating an impetus for lawmakers to act during the upcoming fall veto session.