Poll shows strong bipartisan support for Illinois POWER Act

A recent statewide poll in Illinois indicates strong bipartisan support for the proposed POWER Act, a legislative initiative designed to enhance oversight of data centers across the state. The survey, conducted by Global Strategy Group among 800 likely voters from March 16-19, revealed that nearly 70 percent of respondents backed the legislation after a brief description, with support rising to 75 percent once more details were provided. This backing extends across political parties, including Independents and Republicans, and encompasses voters outside the Chicagoland area. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition supports the POWER Act, which would mandate data centers to be more accountable for their energy and water consumption, restrict "backroom deals," and require them to source their own clean energy. The poll also highlighted increasing skepticism towards data centers, Big Tech, and artificial intelligence, with over half of respondents identifying rising utility costs as a primary concern linked to data center expansion. Supporters assert that these poll results convey a clear message to lawmakers during the ongoing spring legislative session, advocating for consumer protection against higher costs, alongside environmental safeguards and public health measures.