Chicago Mayor Signs Executive Order for Data Center Moratorium
pstAsiatech · x · 2026-08-14
Following strong public backlash over environmental impacts, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order calling for a moratorium on new data center construction while oversight rules are developed.
With 39 data centers already operating in Chicago, local residents have raised concerns over noise, air emissions, and municipal water usage from cooling systems and backup generators. The executive order initiates a 90-day rulemaking period for the Department of Environment to evaluate electricity demand, water use, and cumulative environmental burdens. A new interdepartmental task force will coordinate long-term policies, and the city will implement stricter air-pollution permitting and create data-center-specific noise standards.
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