Overview
- Governor J.B. Pritzker on Friday directed the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to stop processing new Data Center Investment Program applications, with the pause set to begin July 1.
- The governor’s office said the executive branch cannot unilaterally repeal the incentive law but can slow application processing and that existing agreements signed before July 1 will be honored.
- Pritzker plans to convene lawmakers, utilities, labor groups, local officials and industry leaders during the fall veto session to negotiate binding reforms for transparency, community benefits and grid safeguards.
- Suggested measures under discussion include banning nondisclosure agreements with local governments, regular public reporting of energy and water use, public notice for permits, community benefit agreements, requirements to pay for clean energy, grid 'go dark' rules and efficiency standards.
- The move follows a broader national shift this year in which states and cities have paused or limited data-center incentives over worries that large facilities raise electricity and water demand, strain local infrastructure and can push up utility bills for residents.