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Chicago mayor seeks to block data center expansion: ‘We are not for sale’
The proposal would freeze new projects and major expansions for 12 months while city officials draft rules on water, power and pollution impacts.
- On Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and several alderpeople introduced an ordinance to City Council proposing a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction and material expansion. The pause aims to give the city time to develop comprehensive regulatory standards.
- Mayor Johnson's August executive order established a Data Centers Task Force charged with addressing community concerns regarding noise, water consumption, and electricity usage. The task force must propose long-term operational standards by mid-March.
- Alderman Bill Conway introduced a competing measure mandating community and environmental reviews while banning facilities in specific districts rather than citywide. Conway called his approach a "common sense" solution that regulates without forcing data centers out entirely.
- Brad Tietz, director of state government affairs for the Data Center Coalition, warned the moratorium signals Chicago is "closed for business," risking billions in economic investment, tax revenue, and local jobs. Tietz argued the pause would sacrifice union jobs and clean energy investments.
- Both proposals were sent to the City Council's Rules Committee, where legislation often faces delays or blockage. Chicago joins major U.S. cities including Seattle, Charlotte, and Baltimore that have recently restricted or halted data center development.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson seeking data center moratorium while Ald. Bill Conway seeks immediate regulations
Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers in Chicago to come up with a plan for regulating the controversial facilities, but one alderman is pushing to move faster on regulating the industry.
·New York, United States
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Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago data center moratorium ordinance proposed - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and three city council members have introduced an ordinance that would pause the development of new data centers and the material expansion of existing facilities for one year. The proposal follows the mayor's executive order last month [...]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 27%
C 60%
13%
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