The following is a statement from Joe Duffy, executive director of Climate Jobs Illinois:
“Illinois is at an important inflection point. The rapid expansion of data centers brings legitimate questions about energy demand, grid impacts, and environmental stewardship — and those issues deserve thoughtful consideration. At the same time, these projects represent substantial opportunities for union construction jobs, permanent operations roles, local tax base growth and property tax relief, and long-term economic development tied to next-generation infrastructure.
As policymakers evaluate this proposal, it is essential that we strike the right balance — ensuring responsible energy use, strong labor standards, and environmental protections, while also positioning Illinois to compete for these transformative investments. Capital can be mobile, and companies evaluating large-scale infrastructure projects are making decisions across multiple states in the region. Illinois should aim to lead — not only in clean energy policy, but also in capturing the economic and workforce upside of the industries driving the 21st-century economy. We look forward to engaging with lawmakers, environmental advocates, and industry partners to ensure any final legislation reflects that balanced approach.”