Illinois lawmakers are set to negotiate data center regulations this summer, following a busy spring session where no regulations were passed. The negotiations will focus on crafting regulations that stakeholders and legislators can agree on, amid pressure from the governor’s office and constituents to address concerns about data centers’ impact on energy demand, water, and quality of life.

Background

In June, Governor JB Pritzker took executive action to pause tax benefits for data centers, calling on the General Assembly to pass regulations similar to those in the POWER Act, a bill that was discussed in committee meetings but not voted on. The POWER Act would require data centers to pay for and supply their own renewable energy, track and report water usage, and enter community benefits agreements with the municipalities where they are based.

Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, said lawmakers will continue negotiating data center regulations with stakeholders this summer, but no dates have been established. Williams chaired three House Executive Committee hearings about data centers and their effects on energy demand, water, and Illinois communities.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Brad Tietz, director of state policy for the Data Center Coalition, said the industry is ready to negotiate on energy, water reporting, and community impact regulations. However, he believes the POWER Act is too broad and unfairly singles out data centers. Tietz suggested language to amend the Illinois Water Use Act of 1983 and require all large water users to report their usage.

Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, said she is ready to get into detailed negotiations. The IEC is part of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, which has advocated for the POWER Act. Walling expects the POWER Act to be pared back in some areas but believes something will pass either in the veto session later this year or in the January lame duck session.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.