Data center regs proposed as $20 billion, 795-acre Joliet project
advances
[May 12, 2026]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Opponents of a planned $20 billion data center
project in Joliet say big tech money arrived before public oversight.
Real estate developer Hillwood and PowerHouse DataCenters say their
investment in the Joliet Technology Center will bring thousands of
construction jobs and long-term revenue to strengthen city services.
The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition held a press conference outside Joliet
City Hall on Monday. Activists said Joliet’s planning commission and
city council moved the 795-acre project forward in less than three
weeks.
State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, said most constituents do not want
the Joliet Technology Center.
“There are currently no checks and balances on data center developers,
and they’re flooding the state with proposals driving up our utility
bills, threatening our water supply and leaving communities in the
dark,” Ventura said.
Ventura urged support for Senate Bill 4016 and House Bill 5513 to
regulate data centers. The bills include provisions to prohibit cost
shifting, ensure data centers power their own operations and provide
clean energy incentives.
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The POWER Act would also prevent data centers from signing
nondisclosure agreements with local governments. Joliet signed a
confidentiality agreement with Hillwood during early discussions
about the project.
Illinois House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, promised
last month that the General Assembly would pass legislation this
spring to regulate data centers.
Gabel is the chief sponsor of HB 5513.
GreenLatinos Illinois State Director Lucy Contreras said now is the
time to place guardrails on unchecked data center expansion.
“What happened here in Joliet can and is happening in communities
across the state,” Contreras said.
Noah Martinez of Joliet Residents for Responsible Growth said the
community is organizing.
“People across the state are now looking at the 795-acre, 1.8
gigawatt Joliet Technology Center as the latest example of what
happens when big tech arrives in town with bags full of money faster
than public oversight, regulatory safeguards and community consent
can take their course,” Martinez said.
The Joliet Technology Center, Hillwood and Joliet Mayor Terry
D’Arcy’s office did not respond to The Center Square’s request for
an interview.
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