Wisconsin governor candidate Joel Brennan on how to regulate data center development
Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan discussed regulating data center development, emphasizing protecting natural resources, promoting renewables, and appointing balanced members to the Public Service Commission. He noted past legislative efforts to regulate data centers faced challenges with rapidly evolving technology, particularly regarding water cooling.
This video features Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan discussing his approach to regulating data center development to protect the state's natural resources. Speaking at a Journal Sentinel town hall, Brennan addressed the challenge of creating policies that remain relevant despite rapidly evolving technology, specifically mentioning issues with water cooling functions that outdated a previous Republican bill in the legislature.
Brennan highlighted several "absolutes" for his policy. He advocated for transparency by eliminating non-disclosure agreements and pushing for Wisconsin to achieve its renewable energy targets ahead of 2050 through binding legislation, not just executive orders.
Furthermore, Brennan stressed the critical importance of appointments to the Public Service Commission, describing it as a powerful but often overlooked entity within state government. He asserted that the commission needs individuals who understand the need for a balance between utilities and the public, arguing that this balance has been broken for a generation. He believes that appointing allies for the public interest can provide resources for challenging utility rate cases. This discussion reflects ongoing efforts in the state legislature to regulate data center impacts.