City officials take up data center issue

Monroe, Wisconsin's Common Council and Plan Commission are actively discussing the implications of data center construction within the city and surrounding areas. Mayor Tom Miller, who chairs the Plan Commission, indicated that the city's actions would likely hinge on a decision from Green County's Zoning Committee, which is considering a one-year moratorium on data centers on July 13. The city's discussion, scheduled for July 8, will involve reviewing a consultant's report on data center requirements and impacts.

Alderman Matt Sheaffer expressed indifference to data centers, welcoming discussion and potential job creation, though the article notes past criticisms regarding job numbers. The consultant firm Vandewalle & Associates highlighted in its presentation that data centers require significant infrastructure, including 69 KV electric transmission lines, which the Monroe area appears to have. However, the report also detailed substantial resource demands, noting large data centers can use up to 555,000 gallons of water daily and require 0.5 to 1.5 acres per megawatt of power.

Mayor Miller voiced concerns about the extensive utility needs, particularly given existing strains on the local electrical network, and emphasized the importance of city and county collaboration to prevent redundant policies. The Vandewalle report outlined potential city options, including regulating or banning data centers via zoning codes or mirroring the county's approach with a moratorium on new proposals. This comes amidst broader statewide discussions on data center impacts, following a recent decision by developers to abandon a $2 billion project in Grant County due to intense community opposition.