Wisconsin Rep. Pat Snyder Defends Data Center Position and Denies Microsoft Funding Claim
Wisconsin state Rep. Pat Snyder defended his position that data centers are inevitable but should face strict local controls, including enclosed water systems and self-generated power. He also denied a political ad's claim that he gave $2 million to a Microsoft data center near Milwaukee and discussed his support for proposed data center restrictions.
Rep. Pat Snyder, R-Wausau, said during his campaign for a seventh term representing Wisconsin's 85th Assembly District that data centers will continue to expand because of growing media consumption. He said development should be allowed only with responsible controls, including local approval, enclosed water systems and power generation that does not burden taxpayers.
Snyder denied an opposing political advertisement's claim that he provided $2 million for a Microsoft data center in southeastern Wisconsin. He said utility rate increases are approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and noted that the funding was included in the 2023 state budget signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Snyder also said he helped propose data center restrictions for 2025 and supported the measure after amendments added an artificial intelligence review council.