Data center regulations proposed as $20 billion, 795-acre Joliet project advances

Opponents are voicing strong concerns over a planned $20 billion, 795-acre data center project in Joliet, Illinois, spearheaded by real estate developer Hillwood and PowerHouse DataCenters. The project, known as the Joliet Technology Center, has swiftly advanced through the city's planning commission and city council in less than three weeks, sparking accusations that "big tech money" arrived before adequate public oversight. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition held a press conference outside Joliet City Hall, where activists highlighted the rapid approval process. State Sen. Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) stated that most constituents do not support the project, arguing that there are "currently no checks and balances on data center developers," leading to increased utility bills and threats to water supplies. In response, Senator Ventura is urging support for proposed state legislation, Senate Bill 4016 and House Bill 5513, which aim to regulate data centers. These bills include provisions to prohibit cost shifting, ensure data centers power their own operations, provide clean energy incentives, and, notably, prevent data centers from signing nondisclosure agreements with local governments—a practice Joliet engaged in with Hillwood during early project discussions. Illinois House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) previously pledged that the General Assembly would pass regulating legislation this spring. Lucy Contreras, Illinois State Director for GreenLatinos, and Noah Martinez of Joliet Residents for Responsible Growth echoed the need for "guardrails on unchecked data center expansion," citing the Joliet Technology Center as a prime example of rapid development outpacing community consent. The developers and Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy's office did not respond to requests for comment.