Data Center Watch
Coverage of Data Center Watch in the Nexus archive.
- Riverfront Data Center In McKinley Park Revives Expansion Plans But Faces Delay
QTS Data Center in McKinley Park is reviving its expansion plans for a Chicago Riverfront facility but faces delays due to a voided permit from inactivity. The proposed expansion includes new buildings and amenities, though concerns about environmental impact and infrastructure strain have prompted calls for stricter regulations.
- Data center hate is snowballing, and construction setbacks in the first three months of 2026 have already exceeded last year’s, report finds
Data center opposition has intensified in 2026, with construction setbacks in the first quarter exceeding 2025's total. At least 75 projects worth over $130 billion were delayed or canceled, driven by community protests and new state moratoriums. Active opposition groups grew from 396 to 833 across 49 states, supported by national organizations like Greenpeace and the NAACP.
- Illinois joins Ohio in ordering pause on data center tax credits
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker paused state tax incentives for data centers due to legislative inaction on managing their energy costs, joining Ohio which also halted similar incentives. The move faces opposition from organized labor groups concerned about job losses, while Pritzker argues data centers disproportionately strain utilities without sufficient return.