SPRINGFIELD — In response to Governor JB Pritzker announcing a proposal to pause the data center tax credit in his budget address, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) released the following statement:
“The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition welcomes the Governor’s proposal to pause the data center tax credit as the General Assembly looks to take holistic action this Spring to protect consumers from skyrocketing electricity bills. As data centers continue to consume massive amounts of electricity and water while bringing pollution to our doorsteps, it is critical we reassess this industry, its impacts on Illinois, and the taxpayer handouts offered to them, which as of the end of 2024 totalled close to $1 billion in tax benefits.
“ICJC proposed the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) this spring to put commonsense guardrails on data center development and ensure Big Tech pays their fair share. By paying for their own power needs and requiring transparency and clear commitments to clean energy and community benefits, we can ensure data center growth benefits Illinoisans and not the other way around. We urge state leaders to build on this momentum by advancing the POWER Act this spring to protect ratepayers, strengthen grid reliability, and deliver responsible, equitable growth.”
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