Bill > SB4016

This bill establishes comprehensive environmental, water, and energy regulations for hyperscale data centers, which are large facilities housing significant computing infrastructure. Key provisions include requiring cumulative impact assessments, public notice, and community benefits agreements for data centers, while prohibiting nondisclosure agreements related to their siting and planning. It also creates funds to compensate community intervenors and support public benefits and affordability, financed by annual fees based on a data center's peak electricity demand. The bill mandates water resource planning, quarterly water usage reporting, water scarcity plans, and Water Impact Permits, which require public hearings and are renewable every five years. Data centers must also adhere to stringent energy codes and report their energy and water usage annually to the Illinois Commerce Commission. Furthermore, the bill expands renewable energy procurement programs, establishes a self-direct program for hyperscale data centers to procure their own renewable energy, and strengthens equity, transparency, and labor standards in clean energy initiatives. It also introduces the Residential Automated Solar Permitting Platform Act, requiring municipalities and counties to adopt an automated solar permitting platform by July 1, 2027, and allows civil action against non-compliant entities.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4016&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104