Wisconsin State Senator Criticizes Republicans for Blocking Data Center Accountability Act
State Senator Sarah Keyeski criticizes Wisconsin Republicans for blocking several environmental initiatives, including the Data Center Accountability Act (SB 729). This bill aimed to establish regulatory guardrails for data centers in response to public concerns about their environmental impact and effect on utility bills.
State Sen. Sarah Keyeski, D-Lodi, recently voiced her concerns regarding the Wisconsin Republican-majority leadership's inaction on critical environmental and legislative matters. Keyeski highlighted the expiration of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, a bipartisan environmental conservation program, due to Republican refusal to renew it via Senate Bill 436.
She also addressed the increasing number of data center proposals in Wisconsin, noting significant public concerns about their impact on communities, utility bills, the environment, and wildlife. In response to these concerns, Senator Keyeski and her Democratic colleagues introduced Senate Bill 729, the Data Center Accountability Act. This proposed legislation sought to implement guardrails for natural resource stewardship, protect utility ratepayers, and ensure transparency and accountability for data center developments. However, Republicans ultimately refused to pass the bill, preventing the establishment of a state-level regulatory framework.
Keyeski further criticized the rejection of Senate Bill 854, which would have expanded the duties and provided funding for county conservation staff to focus on climate change and resiliency. She emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and committed to reintroducing these and similar bills in future legislative sessions.