Eyes on Bears deal, data center regulation bill
Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation to impose new restrictions on the construction and operation of data centers, amid concerns about energy consumption, water use and emissions. The article also notes that Compass Datacenters is redeveloping the former Sears campus in Hoffman Estates for its first Illinois data center, while Gov. JB Pritzker has paused tax breaks for new data centers for one year.
Illinois lawmakers are weighing a data center regulation bill that would establish new limits and safeguards for the facilities, though its timing remains uncertain and the measure could be pushed to a January lame-duck session. Gov. JB Pritzker has also issued a one-year pause on tax breaks for new data centers.
The debate reflects tensions between organized labor, which supports data center construction, and environmentalists and other residents concerned about increased electricity demand, water consumption, energy prices and potential reliance on fossil-fuel generation. Separately, the former Sears campus in Hoffman Estates is being redeveloped into Compass Datacenters’ first Illinois facility.