Shawano County Committee Advances Data Center Moratorium Following Packed Public Hearing

The Shawano County Planning, Development and Zoning Committee has voted to advance a proposed moratorium on new data center development after a public hearing drew over 100 residents to the Shawano County Courthouse. Speaker after speaker urged county leaders to exercise caution before approving large-scale data center projects, citing various concerns.

Residents voiced strong opposition, highlighting potential impacts on local resources. Lori Hayes of Shawano emphasized the importance of preserving farmland and natural resources, stating that data centers could consume five million gallons of water daily and expressing worry about developers' long-term commitments. Other residents feared negative effects on Shawano Lake and the local tourism industry due to increased water usage, which they believed could lower lake levels and affect water quality and fishing. Sarah Zarling from Watertown shared concerns about wells drying up and water contamination near Beaver Dam, where similar development is occurring.

Committee Chair Kathy Luebke explained that the temporary moratorium would allow county leaders time to study potential impacts and develop appropriate regulations. Gracie Waukeshawn, an area organizer, advocated for using the moratorium to carefully evaluate future development to support forests and waterways. The proposed moratorium, which does not apply to all municipalities within the county that have their own zoning authority, will now be considered by the full Shawano County Board later this month. State Sen. Eric Wimberger was also in attendance at the hearing.