Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs executive order for stricter data center regulations, calls for a temporary moratorium
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order implementing stricter regulations for data centers, addressing concerns around air and noise pollution, energy, and water use. The order also establishes a Data Center Task Force to develop a long-term strategy for data center development. Additionally, Mayor Johnson has called on the City Council to pass a temporary moratorium on new data center construction and expansions while permanent regulations are developed.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson enacted an executive order on Tuesday to establish more stringent regulations for data centers within the city and form a dedicated Data Center Task Force. Mayor Johnson emphasized that these measures are crucial to protect residents from the potential impacts of data center development, especially with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, before permanent, comprehensive protections can be implemented.
The executive order mandates tighter reviews for air pollution control permits, introduces new noise regulations, and requires cross-departmental assessments of data centers' cumulative effects on energy, water, and community well-being. This action follows public concerns voiced by Chicagoans regarding energy affordability, grid reliability, pollution, and water consumption, as highlighted by Iyana Simba, City Programs Director for the Illinois Environmental Council.
Furthermore, Mayor Johnson has urged the Chicago City Council to approve a temporary moratorium on the construction of new data centers and the expansion of existing facilities. This proposed pause would allow the city ample time to formulate and adopt permanent regulatory frameworks. Similar proactive measures have been taken in other major cities, including Denver and statewide in New York, and other Illinois cities like Bloomington and Normal have already implemented data center moratoriums. The Mayor's office noted that Chicago currently hosts approximately 39 data centers, many of which were developed under outdated guidelines that did not account for their current scale and impact.
The newly formed Data Center Task Force, co-chaired by the Mayor's Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief of Policy, is tasked with immediately beginning work to address these issues. Mayor Johnson affirmed the city's commitment to innovation and investment but stressed the necessity for such development to be responsible, transparent, and collaborative with affected communities.