Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council Members Introduce Data Center Moratorium Ordinance

CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward), Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward), and Ald. Lamont J. Robinson (4th Ward) introduced the Data Center Moratorium Ordinance, which would temporarily pause the development of new data centers and the material expansion of existing facilities while the City develops a comprehensive regulatory framework for data centers.

The proposed 12-month moratorium would provide the City's Data Centers Task Force, established by Mayor Johnson's August 2026 Executive Order, time to build upon the research and recommendations of the Sustainable Data Centers Working Group and develop long-term policies that address the impacts of data centers on clean air, clean water, energy use, and the health and quality of life of Chicago residents.

"Chicago is open for business, but we are not for sale. We welcome innovation, investment, and the jobs and opportunities that come with it, but growth must be done responsibly and in a way that protects the health, safety and quality of life of Chicago residents," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Building on the work we began with my Executive Order last month, this moratorium gives the City the time needed to lead the way on municipal best practices for regulating data centers. In partnership with the City Council, we are taking a thoughtful approach that will allow Chicago to embrace innovation while continuing to make our city safer and more affordable for all Chicagoans."

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The ordinance is the latest in a series of steps to modernize Chicago's regulations and strengthen safeguards around data center development. In July 2026, the City's Sustainable Data Centers Working Group released a report containing policy recommendations based on extensive research and engagement with industry experts, utilities, environmental organizations, and community stakeholders. In August 2026, Mayor Johnson acted on those recommendations by issuing an Executive Order directing City departments to implement short-term protections and work together through the Data Centers Task Force on a longer-term regulatory strategy.

"Before we allow more data center development, we need to make sure Chicago has the right safeguards in place," said Ald. Lamont J. Robinson (4th). "This moratorium gives us the time to develop clear, responsible standards that protect our communities and the resources we all share."

"This ordinance reflects our shared commitment to protecting Chicago communities while making room for responsible innovation," said Ald. Maria Hadden (49th). "By working together across City government, we can ensure our policies keep pace with the scale and resource demands of data centers. I'm also proud to advance stronger benchmarking requirements that will give Chicagoans greater transparency into these facilities' energy and water use, putting another recommendation from the Sustainable Data Centers Working Group into action."

"Chicagoans deserve a voice in how our neighborhoods grow and how our city's resources are used," said Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th). "This moratorium gives us the time to listen to residents, understand the full impact of data centers, and put thoughtful rules in place before moving forward with development."

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Following last month's Executive Order, the proposed moratorium would give the City time to advance that work before additional data center development moves forward. Under the ordinance, new data centers and material expansions of existing facilities would be paused for 12 months, allowing the City to develop and implement a modernized regulatory framework for future development.

While the moratorium is in place, the Data Centers Task Force will continue developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, building upon the research and recommendations of the Sustainable Data Centers Working Group. The Task Force is focused on strengthening Chicago's data center policies to address the scale, energy intensity, and resource demands of modern facilities. Co-chaired by the Mayor's Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief of Policy, the Task Force includes representatives from the Departments of Buildings, Environment, Planning and Development, Technology and Innovation, Water Management, and other City agencies. The group will work to ensure that any future data center development in Chicago is aligned with public health and community priorities.

"We are proud to work alongside the Mayor, City Council, and our fellow departments to advance strong, community-informed regulations for data centers," said Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer and Department of Environment Commissioner Angela Tovar. "Through the work of the Task Force, we will develop reliable, scalable guardrails that safeguard Chicagoans from the negative impacts of data centers."

These collaborative efforts by the Mayor, City Council, and City departments will help ensure that innovation moves forward responsibly while protecting the health and quality of life of Chicagoans.

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