Chicago task force to shape data centre rules

A new task force is developing rules to regulate data centres in Chicago amid concerns over their environmental and community impacts. A proposed 12-month moratorium on new facilities and significant expansions would give the group time to establish safeguards.

The Data Centers Task Force, established by Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, will address facilities’ energy and water use, air quality impacts and effects on residents’ quality of life. Johnson has introduced an ordinance that would pause development while the city works on its regulatory framework.

“Chicago is open for business, but we are not for sale,” the mayor said. “We welcome innovation, investment, and the jobs and opportunities that come with it, but growth must be done responsibly and in a way that protects the health, safety and quality of life of Chicago residents.”

The proposed pause builds on a report published in July by Chicago’s Sustainable Data Centers Working Group. Its recommendations drew on research and engagement with industry experts, utilities, environmental organisations and community stakeholders.

In August, Johnson issued an executive order directing city departments to implement short-term protections and establish the task force to coordinate a longer-term regulatory strategy. The moratorium would allow that work to advance before additional development proceeds.

“Building on the work we began with my Executive Order last month, this moratorium gives the city the time needed to lead the way on municipal best practices for regulating data centres,” said Johnson.

The task force is co-chaired by the mayor’s chief sustainability officer and chief of policy, with representatives from departments including buildings, environment, planning and development, technology and innovation, and water management. Its remit includes addressing the scale, energy intensity and resource demands of modern facilities.

Stronger benchmarking requirements are also being advanced to improve public transparency around data centres’ energy and water consumption. These would put another recommendation from the working group into practice.

Under the proposed ordinance, the city would develop and implement a modernised regulatory framework during the pause. The task force would build on the working group’s findings to align future development with public health and community priorities.

“We are proud to work alongside the mayor, city council, and our fellow departments to advance strong, community-informed regulations for data centres,” said Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer and Department of Environment Commissioner, Chicago. “Through the work of the Task Force, we will develop reliable, scalable guardrails that safeguard Chicagoans from the negative impacts of data centres.”

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