Data Center Policy to Protect Illinois Communities
The POWER Act
Protecting Our Water, Energy, and Ratepayers: This new legislation will hold data centers accountable, protecting our wallets and our communities. Without guardrails, data centers could increase our electricity costs by $37 billion through 2050. That’s a 24% increase!
Building Long-Term Resilience
Protecting Our Wetlands
We packed the House Energy & Environment Committee to urge lawmakers to safeguard our waters, wildlife, and communities by supporting the Wetlands Protection Act. Thanks to our visual impact (check out our cute wetlands-themed t-shirts!), the bill moved forward and passed out of committee. Let’s keep this momentum going!
NEW Latest Resource
2026 Environmental Scorecard
How did your state legislators score on this year’s Environmental Scorecard? If you’re curious, then you’re in the right place!
We’ve made this resource free and available to the public.
JOIN US
POWER Act Lobby Day
Support the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) – nation-leading legislation that protects Illinois from data center harms.
Let’s take action together to ensure Illinois establishes guardrails that protect our water, energy, ratepayers, and frontline communities!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Issue Priority Feedback
EC invites you to join our programs and legislative team to reflect on and provide feedback on our emerging legislative priorities for the 105th Illinois General Assembly.
Latest Resource
2026 Legislative report
IEC’s state legislative team has published our 2026 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session. Take a look.
Action Center
Start Your Advocacy
We provide everything you need to get started. Visit our Action Center to find the education and advocacy opportunities that are perfect for you.
Secure Illinois' Climate Future
The environment matters to you. Tell your lawmakers to fight for it, too. Check out our campaigns.
Protect Our Communities Against Data Centers
Data centers should cover their own costs and bring their own clean power to the grid. Illinois must act to protect our water, climate goals, consumers, and communities by passing the POWER Act.
Protect Illinois Wetlands
Illinois has already lost 90% of its original wetlands. Protection and restoration of these areas is critical for the future of our state's animals, plants, and communities.
Say Farewell to Foam
In 2026, single-use plastic doesn't belong in our environment. Polystyrene foam foodware products, such as foam cups and foam take-out containers, are the worst of the worst single-use plastics.
Defeat Anti-Environment Legislation
Click the button to see our full priorities list.
Expand Your Policy Expertise
Explore Our Vision for Illinois
IEC addresses Illinois’ most urgent environmental issues by shaping policy.
IEC Blog
See what IEC staff and affiliates are saying about key environmental issues.
Our Affiliates Power Our Work
Over 150 Organizations Believe in Our Mission
IEC relies on our affiliate member organizations to identify the biggest issues facing our environment. Together, we share resources, mobilize supporters, and respond quickly to policy debates and advocacy opportunities.
Discover what it means to be an IEC affiliate.
