Johnson calls on state lawmakers to tighten data center rules
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Mayor Brandon Johnson, surrounded by aides and activists, signs an executive order Tuesday to strengthen data center regulations and review standards. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
When it comes to regulating data centers, Illinois lags behind Texas and Florida, whose governors have recently enacted tough new laws to ensure local control and even stop development.
- But Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson moved to tighten data center rules in at least one big part of Illinois and called on state lawmakers to follow suit.
Why it matters: While announcing the new protections through an executive order, Johnson seemed to be calling out Springfield legislators, including Gov. JB Pritzker, for not doing enough.
What they're saying: "While we strengthen protections here in Chicago, the state must ensure that data centers protect our water, invest in energy affordability, and support public benefit agreements, and account for their cumulative impact on environmental justice communities," Johnson said at a news conference Tuesday.
- He specifically urged Springfield to pass the stalled POWER Act, which demands more data center transparency and energy cost mitigation.
Between the lines: Johnson's executive order is not earth-shaking, but could be a savvy political move amid strong data center backlash.
- It pushes stronger enforcement of air, noise and water pollution rules while urging the City Council to consider a temporary moratorium on new facilities.
Catch up quick: Illinois has the nation's fourth-largest inventory of data centers with 262 and counting. Chicago hosts 39.
- In the wake of this mass expansion, residents are facing skyrocketing energy bills and a looming power shortage.
- During this year's spring legislative session, environmental advocates pushed for greater data center regulation with the failed POWER Act and a bill to pause new tax incentives for the facilities. Pritzker later used an executive order to pause the incentives.
- Advocates hope a version of the POWER Act can pass in the November veto session, notably after the midterms, when pro-AI PACs are expected to spend millions to defeat data center opponents.
The other side: “Governor Pritzker is not opposed to local communities deciding that a data center moratorium is right for them," a Pritzker spokesperson tells Axios.
- " The administration is working with lawmakers and stakeholders to pass comprehensive legislation during the November veto session.”
What's next: Ald. Maria Hadden tells Axios that she and other colleagues hope to introduce temporary moratorium legislation as early as September.