The POWER Act—Protecting Illinois from data centers
Data centers are surging into Illinois, and they pose unique challenges to our electric grid, our communities, and our water. Their demand for an immense amount of 24/7/365 electricity has already wreaked havoc on our electric bills and will continue to do so without policy action.
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. If passed by the General Assembly, the POWER Act will establish:
- Policies that ensure data centers pay their fair share to protect consumers and our climate.
- Critical protections to limit pollution and protect vulnerable communities.
- Sustainable water use, transparent reporting, and consumer protection requirements for data centers to ensure Illinois’ water resources are used responsibly.
What can you do?
Watch this video featuring Scott Allen, Energy Policy Specialist, Citizens Utility Board, and Samira Hannesian, Energy Policy Analyst, Illinois Environmental Council to understand both the impacts of data centers in Illinois and how the POWER Act would address them.
Then, urge your legislators in the Illinois General Assembly to co-sponsor and vote “yes” on the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) this spring to protect our water, energy, and ratepayers.
- Send a letter to your legislators here.
- Sign up to attend this year’s lobby days on April 8 and May 30!
- Download a fact sheet.
