Pritzker Isn’t Pursuing Data Moratorium in Illinois

Governor J.B. Pritzker says he will not seek a statewide moratorium on new data centers in Illinois, even as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes for a pause in the city. Pritzker says he’s waiting for lawmakers to take up the POWER Act after the November election. The proposal would set tougher rules for data center development, including oversight tied to energy use and local impact. The governor says communities should have a voice in deciding where these facilities are built. Data centers have drawn growing scrutiny over power demands, water use, and their effect on neighborhoods.