Data Center Expansion in Chicago Area Raises Environmental Concerns; Illinois Considers New Regulations

Data centers are experiencing rapid growth across the Chicago area, driving demand for digital tools but also raising significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding water and energy resources. Local conservation groups are worried about the potential for increased drought conditions, especially as data centers, like one planned on Chicago's South Side, expand into communities and rely heavily on water for cooling. Reports from the Illinois State Water Survey indicate a growing reliance on groundwater in areas like Aurora, where data centers have been operating for years, exacerbating local drought conditions. These environmental and resource concerns are gaining political attention statewide. Illinois House Bill 5513, known as the POWER Act, has been co-signed by at least 12 state representatives. This proposed legislation seeks to establish comprehensive environmental, water, and energy regulations specifically for hyperscale data centers, including prohibitions on non-disclosure agreements and mandates for water resource planning. The legislation aims to address the strain on public resources and infrastructure, similar to agreements in Ohio that require large data centers to pay a significant portion of their electricity costs upfront. Concurrently, local development continues, exemplified by the Joliet City Council's approval of 795 acres for the Joliet Technology Center, a proposed data center project. Proponents argue such projects bring economic benefits and monetary investment to the city. However, the article expresses concerns that without robust regulations like those proposed in the POWER Act, residents face rising costs and diminished access to essential natural resources, urging community members to voice their concerns to ensure resources are not disproportionately allocated to major corporations.