The pause for the Data Center Investment Program will start on July 1, the governor's office said.
"Illinois has an opportunity to continue leading in technological innovation and economic growth, but we also have a responsibility to protect working families and local communities as the data center industry rapidly expands," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I am directing my administration to pause the processing of data center agreements while we continue working with the General Assembly and stakeholders on a comprehensive framework that protects affordability, safeguards our natural resources, and ensures responsible growth across Illinois. I look forward to continuing these conversations and getting this done the right way for Illinois working families and communities."
Governor Pritzker also outlined a framework to address the impact of data centers.
As part of that framework, the governor called for:
-Banning nondisclosure agreements between data centers and local governments,
-Require data centers to regularly report their energy and water use,
-Require data centers to post public notice when applying for permits,
-Require data centers to enter community benefits agreements,
The governor's plan also calls for requiring data centers to pay for clean energy resources, have data centers go dark when the grid is strained, set energy and water efficiency requirements and more.