Aldermen shorten REC waiver, add third‑party review and public input to strength enforcement

Board members voted to trim the waiver period for renewable energy credits (RECs) tied to data‑center projects and to add additional review and public input requirements. The adopted Amendment 5 changes the waiver process from five years to two, adds a provision for third‑party review of REC availability and requires input from the city's Office on Sustainability to be made public before a waiver is granted.

Supporters said the shortened waiver and additional review make the city's REC rules more enforceable. As the Alderman from the 4th observed, the shorter review interval prevents a long‑term waiver that might render environmental protections ineffective. Sponsor comments noted that regardless of waivers, the bill still requires 100% REC compliance after 10 years.