District 76 candidates agree data centers shouldn't stick residents with the bill, differ on how to stop it

The four candidates in the Illinois 76th House District race - Democrat Amy "Murri" Briel, write-in Democratic challenger Tyler Thompson, and Republican primary candidates Crystal Loughran and Liz Bishop - were asked how the state should address the energy and water demands of data centers. The candidates shared common ground that data centers should not shift their costs onto ordinary residents. Thompson said data centers should pay a premium on water and energy use, and face penalties for negative impacts. Bishop and Loughran echoed the sentiment that large users should pay their fair share. Candidate Loughran laid out a detailed five-part framework, calling for impact studies before approval, opposing energy subsidies that could raise residential rates, and arguing that local governments should decide on data center development. On water, she said community needs must come first and data centers should use efficient cooling and comply with local withdrawal limits. Briel focused on accountability, calling for mandatory reporting on data center usage and scrutinizing the long-term job creation benefits before approving access to local resources. Bishop argued that local communities must have a say, and that economic development should be responsible and sustainable. While the candidates agreed residents shouldn't pay the price, they differed on the degree of state oversight needed to balance data center demands with community protection.