|
Johnson said it is important to look at the full environmental
footprint of data centers.
“Looking at this issue through an environmental justice lens is
absolutely necessary, because in the name of economic growth it
has been Black and Brown communities that have had to bear the
risks of pollution and environmental issues,” the mayor said.
Johnson issued an executive order last month to regulate data
centers and called on the city council to pass a moratorium on
new data centers.
The order provided for enhanced evaluation of air pollution
control permits to reduce emissions from diesel backup
generators, data-center-specific rules for regulating noise, and
a cross‑departmental review process for planned developments
that include data centers.
Johnson said data centers have targeted neighborhoods bearing
the burden of environmental injustice.
“Economic development or even technological advancements should
not replace humans. They should help enhance our existence,”
Johnson said.
The mayor said he used a $1.25 billion bond to strengthen his
city’s environmental policies.
“It’s the largest economic development bond in the history of
Chicago. I used $135 million of that economic development bond
to build green social housing,” Johnson said.
On Wednesday, the city council may vote on an ordinance that
would require three fifths of the city council to approve new
debt issuance instead of a simple majority.
Before the council’s finance committee voted to advance the
measure last week, Alderman Bill Conway said the city would
spend about $2 billion this year on debt service.
“Which by the way is about as much as we spend on the entire
Chicago Police Department,” Conway said.
|
|
