JB Pritzker Asked About Public 'Anger' Around Data Centers
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker addresses the growing public anger surrounding data centers, particularly concerns about government subsidies, electricity, and water usage. He defends Illinois's strategy to attract tech industry, highlighting the state's abundant fresh water and strong nuclear power grid, including the recent lifting of a nuclear development moratorium. The Governor emphasizes balancing economic growth with public concerns about these developments.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker addressed public "anger" and "backlash" against the tech industry and data centers during a recent event. He acknowledged voter concerns about governments funding profitable companies and the local opposition to projects, citing an example where a data center deal in Lansing, Michigan, was "yelled down" by concerned residents. Pritzker also referenced "Grok in Memphis," likely alluding to xAI's data center project, as an example of development done in a "heinous way."
The Governor defended his administration's commitment to attracting industry and jobs, stressing the importance of a long-term vision for Illinois's economic future. He stated that Illinois must make strategic investments in emerging sectors like quantum computing and AI to foster growth. Pritzker recognized the necessity of addressing public worries, specifically those regarding the impact of data centers on electricity and water bills.
Highlighting Illinois's competitive advantages, the Governor pointed to the state's access to 80% of the nation's fresh water and its status as a net electricity exporter. He noted that Illinois leads in nuclear power, with over 50% of its electricity generated by nuclear plants. Pritzker also mentioned the state's recent decision to lift a decades-old moratorium on nuclear development, a move he believes will make it easier to expand base load power and secure Illinois's position as a leader in industrial development, even amid ongoing public skepticism about data centers.