AXIOS (Justin Kaufmann) - Chicago proposes 12-month moratorium on new data centers
Chicago could halt new data center development within city limits for a year. Why it matters: Data centers' growing demand for electricity and water could affect residents' utility bills and the environment, and city leaders want more time to study those impacts. The latest: Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with a group of alders, is pushing for a 12-month moratorium while the city develops a "comprehensive regulatory framework" for data centers. - There are 39 active data centers in Chicago, according to the city. Details: The proposal would give Johnson's Data Centers Task Force time to study the industry's impacts on clean air, clean water and energy use. What they're saying: "Chicago is open for business, but we are not for sale,"…
What are some Illinois cities that have already paused data center development or expansion?
Bloomington, Carbondale, Effingham, West Chicago, and Mattoon have already paused new data center development or expansion.
Q&A ID cb6c1996-4d96-4b89-a9df-bf446b59a6e2
What actions has Illinois Governor JB Pritzker taken regarding data centers?
Governor JB Pritzker has paused new tax incentives for data centers, though he stated he does not have the authority to impose a statewide moratorium on construction.
Q&A ID d55aaf6b-83a9-465f-819e-78b738fedbef
Which major U.S. cities have temporarily halted or restricted new data center development?
At least a half-dozen major U.S. cities have taken such actions, including Seattle, Charlotte, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City.
Q&A ID 67f2b0b6-3f03-4c9a-9591-ad3d8ac480d3
What are the specific concerns cited regarding the growth of data centers?
Concerns include the growing demand for electricity and water, which could affect the environment and residents' utility bills, as well as impacts on clean air, clean water, and general pollution.
Q&A ID 176cf770-2980-489a-bd76-cdf448a0ee98
How many active data centers are currently operating in Chicago according to city data?
There are 39 active data centers in Chicago.
Q&A ID 4a3bc8c4-ccf5-48e4-9179-809a6b9b4197
What is the proposed moratorium for in Chicago and how long would it last?
Mayor Brandon Johnson and a group of alders are pushing for a 12-month moratorium on new data center development within city limits to allow time to develop a "comprehensive regulatory framework" and to permit the Data Centers Task Force to study the industry's impacts on energy use, clean water, and clean air.
Q&A ID 0d605fa1-bee1-4454-916f-e796eec77951