Wisconsin Tech Council Panel Discusses Data Center Water Concerns, Manitowoc County Approves Moratorium

During the Wisconsin Technology Council's 2026 Wisconsin Tech Summit in Oshkosh, environmental law expert Dave Strifling from Marquette University highlighted that while data centers tout closed-loop cooling systems for reduced direct water usage, this effectively shifts water consumption to the power generation sector, which is Wisconsin's primary water user. Strifling noted that a recent Marquette Law School Poll revealed 70% of respondents believe data center costs outweigh benefits, primarily citing water use as their top concern, rather than energy costs. Rich Stasik, Vice President of State Regulatory Affairs at WEC Energy Group, countered that newer, more state-of-the-art natural gas plants being installed by the utility require significantly less water due to their combustion turbine design. Nur Bernhardt, Vice President of Cloverleaf Infrastructure, also discussed immersion cooling technology, noting that while major companies like 3M are developing it, its reliance on 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) raises water quality concerns. In related news, the Manitowoc County Board has approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development, indicating a direct governmental response to the ongoing discussions and public concerns about these facilities.