State Senate ends legislative session without data center bill vote, here's what that could mean

Wisconsin lawmakers concluded their legislative session without addressing proposed regulations for data centers, a decision that has left residents concerned about the environmental and economic impacts of the rapidly expanding industry. Assembly Speaker Rep. Robin Vos expressed strong disappointment, calling the lack of a Senate vote "absolutely sad" and a "huge issue." The legislative inaction means that a Republican-backed bill, which aimed to prevent residents' energy bills from increasing due to new grid construction for data centers, failed to pass. Although this bill would not have capped data centers' overall energy usage, it represented a step towards regulation. Two separate Democratic proposals also did not advance. The stalled legislation leaves individuals like Maily Kocinski, who lives 1.6 miles from Meta's large data center in Beaver Dam, worried about the future. Since construction began on Meta's 700,000 square foot facility, Kocinski has observed her local creek running dry or appearing "thick and white." She has spent over $1,500 on water testing and filters, with an analysis from UW-Stevens Point indicating elevated metal levels in her well water—issues she states were absent before Meta's arrival. Kocinski has actively advocated at the state capitol for data center regulation, fearing she may be forced to leave her home if water quality continues to decline as Meta's construction extends until 2027. Lawmakers are not expected to revisit the issue until January.