Illinois climate groups want pause on data centers
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Some Illinois climate groups want a halt on new data centers, citing environmental concerns, while a new state report warns that the centers could outstrip our energy supply.
Why it matters: With at least 222 data centers, Illinois hosts the fifth largest inventory of these buildings used to house computer systems, servers and storage infrastructure, making us particularly vulnerable to their effects.
The intrigue: The Trump administration supports data center expansion but so does Gov. JB Pritzker, albeit with requirements on subsidy disclosures, green construction and air emissions.
Driving the news: This month local groups, including Save Our Illinois Land and Sustainable Springfield, joined 230 other environmental groups in urging Congress to halt the expansion of data center development.
What they're saying: Expansion, driven by the "AI and crypto boom, presents one of the biggest environmental and social threats of our generation," the group's joint letter reads.
- [It's also] "rapidly increasing demand for energy, driving more fossil fuel pollution, straining water resources and raising electricity prices across the country."
Meanwhile, civil rights groups are increasingly concerned that AI's rapidly spreading data centers are deepening climate burdens for communities of color.
The other side: A Pritzker spokesperson notes that the data center industry generated $3.51 billion in direct and indirect tax revenue in Illinois in 2022-2023, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report.
- A report from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says each data center project generates 150 to 300 construction jobs during construction, currently accounting for 4,000 to 8,000 positions statewide.
Reality check: Construction jobs are temporary. Data centers do not generate big, permanent job growth.
Between the lines: In order to receive state tax incentives, new data centers must produce 20 jobs, but Illinois law lacks provisions to check if the jobs are actually delivered.
What's next: Jen Walling, the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, which did not sign the congressional letter, says she agrees with many of its points, but thinks the General Assembly lacks the votes to pass a moratorium right now.
- Instead she's part of a committee that will introduce legislation in the spring sessions that puts, "guardrails on data centers to ensure consumers don't foot the bill for these energy intensive facilities while also protecting our clean water and the frontline communities where these facilities are being placed," she tells Axios.