County approves data center pause
Green County, Wisconsin, has approved a 12-month moratorium on data center development, following a unanimous recommendation from its Land Use and Zoning Board and a subsequent 30-1 vote by the full county board. The decision comes amid rising grassroots opposition to data centers across the state, primarily due to concerns over their high electricity and water consumption. The county plans to use this pause to study the issue, assess suitable land, and gauge public sentiment before allowing any potential data center projects.
The Green County Board in Wisconsin has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development, following a 30-1 vote, just a day after receiving a unanimous recommendation from its Land Use and Zoning Board. This action positions Green County as the latest in Wisconsin to approve such a pause, joining nearby Dane and Dodge counties.
District 20 representative Casey Jones of Brodhead cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing that a blanket ban on one type of business through zoning is inappropriate. Despite reports suggesting a nearby $1 billion data center campus in Rock County instigated the ban, Green County officials have denied any specific project proposal in their area prompted the moratorium.
The widespread public opposition to data centers is largely fueled by concerns over their massive consumption of electricity and water, which strains local grids, increases utility bills, and contributes to noise pollution. County Board Chairman Jerry Guth stated that the moratorium provides the county time to gather information, hear all sides, and proactively address the issue, including assessing land suitability and public appetite for such developments.