Data Centers
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!
The Problem
Skyrocketing energy prices are almost entirely driven by unprecedented demand from energy-intensive data center development. While the passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) was an important first step to mitigate rising utility bills and protect our power grid, critical action is still needed from the legislature to hold Big Tech accountable for driving up energy prices.
A large data center can use millions of gallons of water per day, enough to strain local supplies and undermine long-term water planning and management. Currently, Illinois lacks basic protections to ensure our water needs are not jeopardized by water-intensive industrial corporations.
Data centers use dirty diesel generators to power their facilities in so-called “emergencies,” are huge sources of soot and particulates, and are often located in communities that already bear the brunt of industrial pollution. Absent stronger policies, data centers will increase pollution and escalate the state’s reliance on out-of state electricity supply.
The Solution
The POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) establishes nation-leading guardrails on data centers that will minimize data center impacts on our utility bills, climate, and water while driving a competitive “race to the top” for responsible data center investment.
The POWER Act will:
- Establish policies that ensure data centers pay their fair share to protect consumers and our climate.
- Establish critical protections to limit pollution and protect vulnerable communities.
- Establish sustainable water use, transparent reporting, and consumer protection requirements for data centers to ensure Illinois’ water resources are used responsibly.
The Bottom Line:
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 (SB4016/HB5513) this spring.
Take Action!
Illinoisans deserve good neighbors who pay their fair share and contribute more to our communities than they take.
Tell your legislators to support the POWER Act.
