New Data Center Protections Introduced in Illinois’ Second Largest City
In response to the City of Aurora’s proposed data center ordinance introduced the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition released the following statement:
“The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition applauds the City of Aurora for advancing a comprehensive ordinance to regulate data center development and protect residents, communities, and local resources. This ordinance takes critical steps to ensure Big Tech pays their fair share so that working families no longer have to foot the bill with skyrocketing electricity rates. With strong standards and accountability across energy and water use, efficiency, and community benefits – this is exactly the type of bold action families in Aurora, and all Illinois communities, deserve.
“Aurora’s leadership highlights why Illinois needs to take statewide action and pass the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) this spring. Without uniform standards, communities across the state remain vulnerable to rising utility bills, water strain, and pollution driven by unregulated data center growth. The POWER Act is essential to ensure that strong safeguards like those proposed in Aurora apply across Illinois. Together, we will make Big Tech pay their fair share, protect our water, and keep pollution out of vulnerable communities.”
