Chicago Construction News staff writer
Chicago has introduced an ordinance that would temporarily halt development of new data centers and material expansions of existing facilities while the city develops new regulations for the industry.
The proposed 12-month moratorium would give the city’s Data Centers Task Force time to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework addressing the potential impacts of data centers on air and water quality, energy use and residents’ health and quality of life.
The ordinance was introduced by Johnson, Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward), Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward) and Ald. Lamont J. Robinson (4th Ward).
“Chicago is open for business, but we are not for sale,” Johnson said. “We welcome innovation, investment, and the jobs and opportunities that come with it, but growth must be done responsibly and in a way that protects the health, safety and quality of life of Chicago residents.”
Johnson said the moratorium would build on an executive order he issued in August establishing the Data Centers Task Force.
The task force will use the 12-month period to build on recommendations from the city’s Sustainable Data Centers Working Group and develop long-term policies for future data center projects.
“Before we allow more data center development, we need to make sure Chicago has the right safeguards in place,” Robinson said. “This moratorium gives us the time to develop clear, responsible standards that protect our communities and the resources we all share.”
The proposed pause follows a July report from the Sustainable Data Centers Working Group, which examined data center development and made policy recommendations based on research and discussions with industry representatives, utilities, environmental organizations and community stakeholders.
Johnson subsequently issued an executive order in August directing city departments to implement short-term protections and collaborate through the Data Centers Task Force on longer-term regulations.
The proposed moratorium would also allow the city to strengthen transparency requirements related to data center resource consumption.
“Chicagoans deserve a voice in how our neighborhoods grow and how our city’s resources are used,” Manaa-Hoppenworthsaid. “This moratorium gives us the time to listen to residents, understand the full impact of data centers, and put thoughtful rules in place before moving forward with development.”
Under the proposed ordinance, new data centers and material expansions of existing facilities would be prohibited for 12 months while the regulatory framework is developed.
The data centers task force will continue its work during the moratorium. The group is focused on issues associated with the scale, energy consumption and resource demands of modern data centers.
“We are proud to work alongside the Mayor, City Council, and our fellow departments to advance strong, community-informed regulations for data centers,” said Angela Tovar, Chicago’s chief sustainability officer and commissioner of the Department of Environment.
“Through the work of the Task Force, we will develop reliable, scalable guardrails that safeguard Chicagoans from the negative impacts of data centers.”
