Climate Change Task Force hears about regulation of energy and data center projects
The Monroe County Climate Change Task Force heard guidance from UW-Extension land-use specialist Lynn Markham on how Wisconsin municipalities can regulate data centers through zoning, county rules and joint development agreements. The discussion also covered the possibility of temporary moratoriums and potential future state legislation, while emphasizing the importance of preserving local control.
At a September 2 meeting in Sparta, UW-Extension land-use specialist Lynn Markham outlined options for Wisconsin counties, towns and cities to regulate data centers. She said local governments can define data centers in their ordinances, identify districts where they may be allowed, establish conditional-use standards and negotiate joint development agreements. Markham noted that zoning provisions must be adopted before a development application is submitted and described Menominee’s use of an unmapped floating zone that requires rezoning before a data center can proceed.
The discussion also addressed how some Wisconsin communities have used moratoriums to create time to revise zoning rules. State Rep. Jill Billings said two data center regulatory proposals were circulating in the Legislature and predicted the issue would remain a priority when lawmakers return in January 2027. Participants stressed early planning and local decision-making amid widespread concern about the effects of data center development.