Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Data Center Policy
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates Tom Tiffany and David Crowley are debating data center development. Tiffany, despite a past record of corporate support, now advocates for strong regulations and ending tax breaks. Crowley emphasizes local control, union labor requirements, and stricter standards for tax exemptions.
US Rep. Tom Tiffany and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, candidates for Wisconsin governor, are clashing over data center development policy. Tiffany, who previously supported corporate tax breaks and deregulation, has shifted his stance to advocate for "strong standards" to protect Wisconsin's farmland, water, communities, and electric grid from data center impacts. He also pledges to end the state sales tax exemption for data center construction, accusing Crowley of being influenced by large tech and construction firms.
Crowley, on the other hand, proposes a platform focused on "local control," allowing communities to decide on data center projects. He demands that any approved projects must use union labor, pay for their own energy and infrastructure upgrades, and not increase consumer rates. Crowley also calls for a review of the state sales tax exemption, suggesting it should be tied to higher benchmarks such as 100% clean power, transparency, and direct community benefits. He remains skeptical of Tiffany's sudden policy change, highlighting Tiffany's past votes in favor of tech companies receiving substantial tax breaks.
The debate highlights significant differences in the candidates' approaches to economic development, environmental protection, and energy policy, making data center development a key issue in the gubernatorial race.