Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate proposes data center moratorium, calls for new regulations
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan advocates for a moratorium on new data center approvals until comprehensive regulations are established. He proposes that data centers should fully cover their energy and infrastructure costs, meet strict environmental standards, utilize union labor, and operate with full transparency, ending non-disclosure agreements. Brennan also calls for reforming tax incentives to link them to clear performance and community benefits, and for robust cumulative water impact assessments.
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan has outlined a comprehensive approach to data center development, advocating for a pause on new approvals until strict regulations are in place. In a questionnaire for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brennan asserted that Wisconsin taxpayers should not subsidize data center construction, operation, or energy costs, emphasizing that these projects must be self-sufficient. He also stressed the importance of using Wisconsin union labor for all data center construction.
Brennan's policy platform calls for the complete elimination of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in data center deals to ensure transparency and robust community input before decisions are made. He proposes tying tax incentives to clear performance standards, energy self-sufficiency, and demonstrable community benefits. Furthermore, he demands that data centers meet rigorous environmental standards, including cumulative water impact assessments for large projects, to protect Wisconsin's natural resources.
The candidate criticized the state Legislature for failing to enact necessary guardrails despite approving billions in tax credits, arguing that this oversight has led to uncertainty and local distrust. He also expressed concern over Public Service Commission rulings, stating they do not adequately protect residential consumers from shouldering the costs of new power plants and transmission lines required by data centers. Brennan pledged to appoint commissioners who prioritize ratepayers and push for integrated resource planning.
Finally, Brennan supports giving communities a direct voice, potentially through referendums for large projects, and establishing frameworks for regional review when data center impacts cross jurisdictional lines. He cited examples like Port Washington, DeForest, Caledonia, and Greenleaf, where local communities have had varying experiences with data center proposals, highlighting the need for transparent processes and community authority.