Illinois lawmakers eye water use transparency requirements for data centers

Illinois lawmakers are focusing on the significant water consumption of data centers, holding hearings in the House Executive Committee to address concerns about transparency and resource management. Democratic Rep. Ann Williams of Chicago, who chaired the committee, emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan for water resources similar to existing energy plans, particularly given the proliferation of hyperscale data centers in the state. The "Power Act," a proposed regulation bill in the General Assembly, is being touted by environmental advocates like Helena Volzer of the Alliance for the Great Lakes and Andrew Rehn of the Prairie Rivers Network as a crucial mechanism for managing data center water use. The bill would require data centers to submit detailed water use, scarcity, and sustainability plans, utilize efficient cooling methods, and report usage quarterly to the Illinois Power Agency and a public website. This reporting would also be reviewed by the Illinois Water Survey. The Data Center Coalition, represented by Midwest policy director Brad Tietz, opposes the Power Act, arguing that data centers already collaborate with utilities and municipalities on planning and are more water-efficient than other industries like agriculture. Tietz also highlighted evolving cooling technologies that leverage recycled or non-potable water, balancing energy and water use tradeoffs. Despite industry objections, lawmakers like Rep. Theresa Mah of Chicago reiterated the importance of public transparency, citing constituent concerns, and Rep. Williams stressed the need for information on new large water users like data centers to inform statewide water management strategies. Democrats in the Senate are also exploring statewide groundwater management.