Rural WI faces dual concerns over data centers, CAFOs

Rural advocates across Wisconsin are raising alarms about the perceived pattern of corporate resource extraction stemming from the proliferation of data centers and large farm expansions, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Danny Akenson, an organizer for Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin, highlighted that both industries consume millions of gallons of water and contribute significantly to climate risks affecting air, land, and water quality. Akenson described these industries as examples of a "big corporate agenda" that extracts wealth and resources while shifting operational costs onto local communities. According to Clean Wisconsin, the state currently hosts at least 50 data centers and over 350 CAFO permits, with more projects pending. Notably, two of the state’s AI data centers are projected to use more energy than all homes in Wisconsin combined. While data center proponents argue for their role in economic development and digital infrastructure, and large-scale farming operators point to existing environmental safeguards, advocates like Akenson contend that current state regulations are insufficient to protect communities. As local governments seek methods to control new data center construction, Wisconsin lawmakers are reportedly exploring ways to regulate the fast-growing sector, including a bill aimed at maintaining public access to data center information. Akenson predicts that the environmental impacts of these industries will become significant campaign issues in the upcoming critical election year for Wisconsin, emphasizing the need for local organizing and robust legislative action to tackle systemic problems.