Updates and timeline

Rockford Monarch Energy hyperscale data center timeline

Across Illinois: Lawsuits have been filed and remain pending against cities and villages in Illinois alleging denial of due process in data center developments.

• A growing number of lawsuits have been filed by citizen groups and landowners in the U.S., including in Lake, Will, and Sangamon County in Illinois. The allegations include failure to provide required public notice and public hearings and other denials of due process.

November 17, 2026, 5:00pm: Protest against data centers at the public hearing about proposed regulations

The City of Rockford has scheduled a time for public comments on the draft data center regulations: November 17, 2026.

We think that a strong show of public opposition is our strongest tool right now to stop all data centers (including the Monarch Energy data center), and we are calling for a protest on November 17 to tell the City: NO DATA CENTERS.

Please invite everyone you know. Please share the below graphics on social media, print and distribute them to local businesses, and give them to your neighbors.

Send a public comment via email before the meeting 

• Send a public comment to your city council member, and to the public comment email address with your feedback on the draft regulations: publiccomment@rockfordil.gov. For the public comment email address, use the subject line “For ZBA re: data center regulations.”

• Sign-ups have not been opened for speaking at the Zoning meeting. Once they open, we will notify our email list.

• When you contact your city council member, ask to meet with them 1:1 to discuss your thoughts on the data center draft regulations and data centers in general. Click here to find your city council member.
  

What to say
Please feel free to personalize your feedback on the proposed data center regulations to make it aligned with your experience, values, and thoughts. Our suggested outline: 

1. NOT ACTUALLY PROTECTIVE: The regulations as drafted are inadequate to actually protect Rockford.

2. NEED ACTUAL EXPERT AND PUBLIC INPUT: The regulations were drafted without input from environmental experts, nearby homeowners, the Winnebago County Forest Preserves, and the public. This document must not be rushed through without expert input and public feedback.

3. NOT ENFORCEABLE: The draft regulations include no way for the City to actually enforce these guidelines, making them useless for protecting Rockford. Data center developers around the country are regularly ignoring guidelines (examples from Texas; Tennessee; New Jersey). Any guidelines must contain real enforcement mechanisms.

4. NOT PROTECTING WORKER SAFETY: The regulations as drafted contain no protections for workers during the construction phase.

5. NOT ADEQUATE FOR A HYPERSCALE DATA CENTER: The regulations as drafted say they are only for "data centers", which are different from the 1300-acre hyperscale data center that Monarch says will be "one of the largest int he country."

6. NO PROTECTION FOR OUR ENERGY BILLS: The draft regulations have no protections against the skyrocketing electricity and water costs that residents experience when a data center moves in. Data centers must pay their own way.

November 13, 2026: The City of Rockford announces that Microsoft is “evaluating” the proposed Monarch Energy hyperscale data center site

• Rock River Current: Microsoft is the company behind Rockford data center plans
  
  

October 27, 2026: Rockford City Council votes to advance proposed data center regulations to Zoning Board of Appeals for public hearings

• Alderwoman Gina Meeks was the only “No” vote.

• Next steps according to WTVO: “The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings on the proposed data center framework in November. Additional information regarding the specific dates and times for the hearings will be released in the coming days.”
  
  

October 24, 2026: Local Rockford attorney argues that the Monarch Energy data center is not a “done deal” in Rockford Register Star op-ed

• “As a lawyer, I have learned to be skeptical of any opinion that is presented without supporting proof.

  So I have been skeptical of the catchphrases traveling in some circles, including some local political candidates, that the proposed data center in Rockford “is a done deal” or “is inevitable” or “is gonna happen.”

  I am skeptical for one reason: I have yet to see any document that would prove such statements correct.

  Last week, I called a friend who’s in the thick of the Beloit fight against a data center to ask about how they’re dealing with this issue.

  She told me that “it’s a done deal” and “it’s inevitable” are part of the script data center developers use.

  Why? So that people will give up. “It’s inevitable” means there’s nothing that can be done.

  But what if that’s not true?

  Communities across the country, and across Illinois, are rejecting the idea that “it’s inevitable” and “it’s a done deal.”

  In this year alone, at least 75 data centers around the U.S. have been canceled or halted. There are many legal strategies available to communities to stop an “inevitable” data center, including land use and/or zoning ordinances and extended moratoriums.
  
  And the more we learn about data centers, the more urgent it is that we stop these projects as soon as they spring up.”
  
  

• Source: Rockford Register Star: Rockford data center is not a done deal. We need your voice

October 22, 2026: New study finds that data center development has already raised Illinois electricity costs by 50%, and will raise prices even further if unchecked. 

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

“ComEd expects to spend more than $3 billion to connect data centers to its electric grid in the coming years, but it has only collected about one-fourth of the costs from data center developers — a troubling gap that could leave Illinois consumers on the hook, according to consumer groups … ComEd’s electricity supply price is up about 50% compared to two years ago”

October 19, 2026: City committee postpones regulation discussion until October 26, residents express concerns

A Rockford resident quoted on WTVO expressed concern that the proposed regulations don't go far enough: 

"I have no faith in the end user of this data center actually following those regulations or guidelines that are proposed.

And in fact, I think the passage of them or discussion of them now may lead to this false sense of security that, "Oh, this will be just fine," when I think there are so many harms and risks.”

• Source: My Stateline: Data center framework postponed by Rockford Code and Regulations Committee
  
  
  

  
  

October 15, 2026: The City of Rockford shares a misleading Facebook post about the City’s ability to block data centers

The city of Rockford posts a misleading post to its Facebook page saying:

“DID YOU KNOW: A non-home-rule community - like Rockford - cannot simply impose an outright, permanent ban on all data centers without risking significant legal challenges. That’s why we have drafted regulations that address environmental impacts, neighboring properties, infrastructure, natural resources and public safety.”

This is misleading.

A ban may be difficult, but there are non-ban options available to stop data centers for non-home-rule communities like Rockford — most immediately, through zoning (more information here).

• Source: City Facebook post
  
  
  

October 15, 2026: The City of Rockford shares a draft of proposed data center regulations that they say does not apply to the proposed Monarch Energy project.

The city of Rockford announced a draft of proposed data center regulations created by city staff in a Facebook post.

This resolution does not approve specific projects or finalize regulations; rather, it is the formal legal mechanism required to trigger the public review process and schedule an official public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

What comes next:

• Codes & Regulations Committee (Monday, Oct. 19 rescheduled for October 26): Committee members vote on whether to forward the resolution to the full council to start the public process.

• City Council Action: The full City Council must vote to formally refer the draft text amendments to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

• ZBA Public Hearing (Key Opportunity for Public Testimony): The Zoning Board of Appeals will host an official, publicly noticed hearing where residents, business owners, and community stakeholders can provide verbal testimony and submit written public comment.

• Committee & Council Final Vote: Following the ZBA hearing, the board’s formal recommendations return to the Codes and Regulations Committee, and ultimately to the full City Council for a final binding vote.

Sources:

• City of Rockford Facebook post

• City of Rockford website
  
  
  

September 27, 2026: Op-ed published in the RRStar: Decision of data centers should belong to the voters

A local nonprofit leader wrote an RRStar op-ed arguing against data centers:

“PJM, which is the grid operator that runs the wholesale power markets, has stated that there is not enough electricity to power the data center.

That means that there will not be enough electricity left for the people of the Rockford region …

We did not vote for data centers. We did not agree to allow an unknown force to take over the 1,300 acres of land next to our river and forests and to destroy the farm fields where food is grown.

Our lawmakers have been swayed by empty promises and turned us over as sacrifices to the tech overlords.”

• Source: Rockford Register Star
  
  
  

August 3, 2026: City Council approves a six-month data center moratorium that they say does not apply to the Monarch Energy data center

However: No one, including the current and previous mayor, have shown the public any document that unequivocally binds the city to allow the data center to proceed.

The reality is: Not all agreements are valid and enforceable. If a contract is against public policy (including health and safety dangers, violations of laws and regulations, or contrary to environmental standards and regulations), it can be found to be void in court.

• Rock River Current: City Council approves 6-month data center moratorium, but it doesn’t apply to key piece of land
  
  
  
  

July 2026: ComEd cancels transmission security agreement with Monarch

• Monarch publicly says its timeline is delayed but it still plans to move ahead with the plans for this data center.

• Rock River Current: Here’s where Rockford data center plans stand after cancellation of ComEd energy deal

July 20, 2026: City Council officially approves TIF expansion

• City council votes to approve the expanded TIF district.
  
  Votes in favor include: Tim Durkee, Jonathan Logemann, Chad Tuneberg, Kevin Frost, Gabrielle Torina, Janessa Neal, Aprel Prunty, Dawn Granath, Frank Beach, Jaime Salgado, Mark Bonne

• Votes against: Gina Meeks, Tamir Bell

• Absent: Karen Hoffman
  
  
  Rock River Current: City Council approves controversial new TIF district in south Rockford
  
  
  
  

June 29, 2026: Aldermen Meeks and Bell postpone TIF expansion vote

• Aldermen Gina Meeks and Tamir Bell postponed the vote on the proposed TIF expansion.
  
  Rock River Current: Rockford City Council delays vote on proposed TIF district

June 22, 2026: Rockford Planning and Development Committee tentatively approves TIF expansion

• Aldermen Tim Durkee, Dawn Granath and Janessa Neal voted to approve the new expanded TIF.
  

• Alderwoman Gina Meeks opposed the vote.

• Rock River Current: Rockford aldermen push forward new TIF, proposed industrial development
  
  
  

June 11, 2026: Monarch Energy signs a tax break deal with the state of Illinois

• FOIA records show that a backdoor tax deal was approved on June 11, 2026
  
  Read the agreement: 2026 Monarch Rock Air LLC Data Center MOU - Redacted
  
  Rock River Current: Rockford data center developer has tax incentive deal in place with the state, records request shows
  
  
  
  

June 9, 2026: Rockford mayor Tom McNamara posts on Facebook advocating for the expanded TIF and saying that that TIF tax breaks will not apply to data centers

• Rock River Current: McNamara says data centers won’t be eligible to benefit from proposed TIF

• Rock River Current: What’s next on a potential Rockford data center with TIF incentives halted?
  
  
  
  

May 12, 2026: Public Hearing on the proposed TIF

• Public hearing on the proposed TIF district was met with significant community resistance, who filibustered the meeting and expressed opposition for the proposed TIF.
  
  WIFR: South Rockford TIF proposal met with resistance from community
  
  Rock River Current: Rockford data center opponents attempt citizen filibuster at public hearing
  
  
  
  

April 27, 2026: City Council votes to indefinitely table Our Voice, Our Future resolution

• City council’s Code and Regulation Committee votes to table the resolution indefinitely to revise it internally.
  
  Rock River Current: Rockford alderman’s proposed data center safeguards sent back to square one
  
  
  
  

April 11, 2026: Aldermen Tamir Bell and Jaime Salgado create the Our Voice, Our Future resolution to set standards for data centers

• Read the proposal: Our Voice Our Futre resolution
  
  Rock River Current: Rockford alderman proposes data center safeguards in far-reaching resolution
  
  
  
  

March 4, 2026: The City Council approves its “2040 land use map” with two sites designated for possible future data centers

• Read the report: 2040 Future Land Use Report

• WIFR: Rockford City Council approves 2040 Future Land Use Map

March 2026: Monarch Energy hires Lara Pollitt (who previously led permitting for Amazon and Microsoft hyperscale data centers) as VP of Permitting and Environmental

March 2026: Joint Review Board recommends approval of the South Rockford Industrial TIF District.

• The Joint Review Board officially recommends expanding the 2011 TIF District to become much larger in preparation for the data center.
  
  Many local residents attend the meeting to make their opposition heard about this plan.
  
  Rock River Current: Residents sound off on data center as panel reviews proposed south Rockford TIF district

January 14th, 2026: The Illinois Attorney General files a federal objection to Monarch Energy’s agreement with ComEd, arguing it wouldn’t protect consumers from fee hikes and blackouts.

From Utility Dive:

• “Proposed transmission service agreements, or TSAs, between Commonwealth Edison and data center developers fail to adequately insulate ratepayers from the potential costs of serving those planned facilities, the Illinois attorney general’s office said in recent filings at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission … 

• ”[T]he safeguards in the TSA do not prevent existing customers from paying the costs caused by this large, discrete load that will impose significant costs on the transmission system and on all customers,” the AG’s office.”

November 2025: Monarch Energy files with the Illinois Commerce Commission

• In November 2025, Monarch Energy filed to request 600 megawatts of power for its new planned data center
  
  Illinois Commerce Commission Filing
  
  

October 2025: Monarch Energy releases a disturbing promotional video announcing the “Rock Air” project

• Monarch Energy releases a promotional video to its Youtube channel, stating that the hyperscale center will use three million gallons of water per day in the heat of the summer, and 1,200 megawatts of power.
  
  Youtube video: Monarch Energy - Illinois hyperscale datacenter powered land

October 2025: Winnebago County Chair Joe Chiarelli travels to Texas with Monarch Energy to discuss installing nuclear reactors inside the Rockford data center

• From WIFR: “Dunn and Chiarelli attended the Texas Nuclear Summit in Austin, Texas, around mid-October 2025. Following the trip, R1 staff members messaged with Congressman Eric Sorensen’s team.

  “Monarch Energy asked that we accompany them, and after the week in Austin, the Chairman suggested we give the Congressman an update on where Monarch is going with the Rockford Airport site,” wrote Dunn.

  Chiarelli told WIFR the trip followed Illinois moving away from its nuclear moratorium. He says their summit visit focused on small modular reactors, which could provide on-site power generation to projects like a data center.”
  
  WIFR: Neighbors demand transparency for Monarch Energy’s possible Rockford data center
  

2025: Rockford mayor Tom McNnamara, Winnebago County Chair Joe Chiarelli, and City Administrator Todd Cagnoni conduct negotiations with Monarch Energy

• Monarch, city officials, and R1 representatives negotiated behind closed doors about the data center terms throughout 2025, FOIA records show.
  

• From WIFR: “Monarch’s COO emailed Mayor Tom McNamara, Winnebago County Chair Joe Chiarelli and Dunn on June 23, 2025, with the subject ‘Monarch Help Wanted.’

  The message included a letter from the company discussing ‘critical state issues on which we could use your support.’”
  

May 2025: City Administrator Todd Cagnoni sends an inducement letter to Monarch COO

• From WIFR: “May 15, 2025, when City Administrator Todd Cagnoni sent an inducement letter — which typically present incentives to possible developers — to Monarch Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Charles Koontz. WIFR requested that document but was rejected; city staff wrote the letter is a record ‘in which opinions are expressed or policies or actions are formulated.’
  
  Koontz responded to Cagnoni’s email, “Thank you for the work and the support on this. We are ready to kick off the next phase as soon as your team is ready!””
  

February 2025: Monarch signs a deal for exclusive purchase rights to land at the data center site

• From WIFR: “The deal, signed February 3, 2025, prevents anyone from outbidding the company for the land that could be home to a data center.”
  
  View the document: Lease - Sale Agreement Gensler-Monarch
  

~2024: Monarch Energy pivots from green energy to data center construction

From an article in Latitude Media about the pivot:

“We had this stark realization that this green hydrogen industry might not take off,” Alingh [Ben Alingh, CEO of Monarch Energy] told Latitude Media … 

So two years ago, Monarch started to consider a pivot. And data centers — even in the earlier stages of the artificial intelligence boom — seemed like a natural target. The company’s first investment was from Lancium, the lead developer of Project Stargate’s original data center campus in Abilene, Texas. And Monarch’s core expertise was in real estate development. 

“Our core ingredients — hundreds of acres of land outside major metro areas, access to large amounts of power and water, and tax abatements and permits — those are what’s needed for a hyperscale data center,” Alingh explained.”

From public information, Monarch Energy has never actually built a data center.

From public information, Rockford is Monarch’s first and only publicly-announced data center project.

However, Monarch’s first investor, a data center developer, has built a very famous data center:

Project Stargate, the massive data center project developed by Monarch Energy’s first investor Lancium, has come under fire for:

• Using permitting loopholes to construct massive gas-powered turbines and diesel generators (the subject of the PBS expose, see video below)

• Alleged safety violations, worker injuries, and “unusually lax safety practices” as reported by TIME Magazine

• Creating a homelessness crisis in the surrounding area

• Reports of layoffs affecting data center employees just one year after the project became operational

PBS documentary about Project Stargate, the data center developed by Lancium (Monarch Energy’s first investor):

April 2024: Monarch Energy visits Rockford with Sen. Tammy Duckworth to discuss building a sustainable jet fuel plant at the site

• In April 2024, Monarch Energy (at that time a “green hydrogen developer”) visited Rockford to discuss building a plant that would turns landfill carbon dioxide into jet fuel.
  
  Monarch Energy has since tabled this plan as IRA benefits expired, instead pivoting to building a data center on the site instead.
  
  Rock River Current: Monarch Energy considers $1B Rockford project to produce sustainable aviation fuel near airport
  
  
  

September 2023: Monarch Energy announces a $400+ million investment in Ascension Parish, Louisiana (later cancelled)

• Original press release: Entergy and Monarch Energy collaborate to advance South Louisiana green hydrogen infrastructure

• Press release from Louisiana government (archived version): Monarch Energy Proposes $426 Million Investment to Create Carbon-Free Hydrogen Production Facility in Ascension Parish

• Article mentioning the project’s cancellation: link
  
  

April 2023: Monarch Energy announces a $500+ million investment near Beaumont, Texas (later cancelled)

• Original press release: Entergy Texas and Monarch Energy collaborate to advance Southeast Texas energy infrastructure

• Cancellation has not been addressed directly, but this article implies the project’s cancellation: link
  
  

2022: Region 1 Planning signs an NDA with Monarch Energy

• Region 1 Planning signs an NDA to work with Monarch in its original plan for a sustainable jet fuel plant at the site. FOIA records indicate they continued to work closely with Monarch on its updated plans for a data center at the same site.
  
  View the NDA
  
  WIFR: Neighbors demand transparency for Monarch Energy’s possible Rockford data center
  
  
  

2021: Monarch Energy is founded in Santa Cruz, Califronia

• Trademark filing information: source
  
  
  

2015: Documents about planning in the Rockford area

• Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning Regional Freight Rail Site Feasibility Study for Southern Winnebago County (Fehr Grahm, 2015)
  
  
  

2011: Initial TIF District is created in the area of the proposed data center

• TIF District creation documents: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE GLOBAL TRADEPARK SOUTH REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT

• More information about TIF Districts:

  • What is a TIF District? How do TIF Districts work? (source: Cook County Clerk)

  • State Requirements for Establishing a TIF District (IL General Assembly)a