Across Illinois, proposals for new data centers are surfacing in communities large and small. Developers are drawn by the state’s abundant land, water, and access to reliable power—but residents and local officials are only beginning to grasp the environmental and infrastructure demands of these enormous facilities.

Data centers, the backbone of our digital world, store and process the information we use every day. But the new generation of “hyperscale” or AI-driven data centers consumes vastly more electricity and water than older models. In some regions, these facilities have stressed local power grids, competed with residents for limited water supplies, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

On Sunday, April 19, at 7 pm, the Woods & Wetlands Group of the Sierra Club will host Sally Burgess and fellow advocates for an in-depth presentation on this emerging issue. The program will trace the growth of data centers in Illinois, explain how their designs and energy demands have evolved, and highlight the challenges that communities face when projects are fast-tracked with limited public input.

Speakers will also outline ways residents can engage constructively—asking the right questions, pressing for transparency, and advocating for policies that ensure environmental oversight. The discussion will include an overview of the proposed POWER Act, a measure now before the Illinois legislature that would set sustainability and accountability standards for large data centers.

The evening promises to shed light on a rapidly expanding industry and what it could mean for Illinois communities, water resources, and our climate goals. Register here

Photo from Sally Burgess