Majority leader: Illinois 'will pass' new data center restrictions this spring

The Illinois House Majority Leader, State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, announced at a press conference in downtown Chicago that the Illinois General Assembly is set to pass new legislation, known as the POWER Act, this spring to impose restrictions on data centers. Gabel highlighted a poll indicating significant public support, with three out of four Illinoisans backing provisions to regulate data centers. The proposed bills, House Bill 5513 and Senate Bill 4016, are designed to prohibit cost-shifting of grid infrastructure expenses to consumers, ensure data centers power their own operations, and provide incentives for clean energy. Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sangamon County Sierra Club, voiced strong support for the legislation. Kari Ross of the Natural Resources Defense Council stated that nearly 70% of likely Illinois voters support making data centers pay their full share for increased demand on the grid, thereby protecting consumers from unnecessary rate hikes. Lori McKiernan of the Sangamon County Sierra Club added that the bills would require data centers to engage transparently with local communities and contribute to intervenor compensation funds, as well as preventing them from signing nondisclosure agreements with local governments. Conversely, Brad Tietz, Director of State Policy for the Data Center Coalition, urged lawmakers to consider existing industry efforts, such as ComEd's large load tariff before the Illinois Commerce Commission, which aims to ensure data centers cover their full cost of service. Tietz expressed concern that Illinois, previously a top state for data center development, is seeing a decline. Senate Bill 4016 faces a committee deadline of April 24.