State Legislation

Given the absence of federal policy protections on hyperscale data centers, states across the country are taking steps to enact safeguards at the state level. In Illinois, several legislative proposals have been introduced, with the POWER (Protecting Our Water, Energy, and Ratepayers) Act offering the most comprehensive suite of guardrails. The legislation was collaboratively crafted among dozens of advocacy groups across the state within the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition to ensure Illinoisans’ interests are put ahead of Big Tech profits. The POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) will:

• End backroom deals. The POWER Act will help improve transparency and prevent data center companies from forcing politicians to hide their plans from the people.
• Make data centers pay their fair share. From water infrastructure to energy costs, the POWER Act will ensure that data centers pay what they should, and not pass those costs on to everyday Illinoisans.
• Hold data centers accountable. The POWER Act will make sure that data centers are responsible with our water resources and energy, stopping them from being wasteful.