Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Tuesday creating stricter data center regulations and a dedicated Data Center Task Force.<\/p>\n
“Before AI accelerates any faster, the city is taking steps now to protect Chicagoans from the impacts of data center development while we undertake the comprehensive work that’s necessary to establish stronger permanent protections for our communities,” Johnson said.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
The mayor also called on the City Council to pass a temporary moratorium on new data centers and expansions of existing facilities while the city develops permanent regulations. <\/p>\n
“Chicagoans have voiced concerns around data center impacts-from energy affordability and grid reliability to pollution and water consumption-that should be urgently addressed,” said Illinois Environmental Council City Programs Director Iyana Simba. <\/p>\n
The move follows similar actions in other major cities, including Denver in May and New York statewide in July 2026. <\/p>\n
The order Johnson signed on Tuesday tightens air pollution control permit reviews, sets new noise rules, and requires a cross-departmental review of data center impacts on energy, water, and cumulative environmental and community effects. <\/p>\n
“Chicago will not allow unchecked development to strain our water supply, drive up energy costs, or compromise the health of our communities,” Johnson said. <\/p>\n
There are “approximately 39” data centers in Chicago, according to a news release from the mayor’s office, most built under now-outdated frameworks that did not account for their scale. <\/p>\n
Modern data centers can place significant pressure on electricity grids and water systems while also contributing to localized noise and air quality impacts, the release states. <\/p>\n
Noise complaints are a common concern from residents living near data centers. In March, the Aurora City Council approved restrictions<\/a> for new data centers after residents complained they could hear the noise “all the time.” <\/p>\n