Sapik, Severson seek Wisconsin Senate 25 seat
Two candidates for Wisconsin's 25th State Senate District, Angie Sapik and Erik Severson, shared their views on data center development. Both support local control regarding data centers and oppose a statewide moratorium, but differ on specific safeguards and preferred economic investments for northern Wisconsin. Concerns about energy costs and water usage for data centers were highlighted.
Former Assembly members Angie Sapik and Erik Severson are seeking the Republican nomination for Wisconsin's open 25th State Senate District seat, which encompasses Polk, Sawyer, Bayfield, Ashland, Douglas, Iron, Washburn, and Burnett counties. Both candidates expressed their opinions on data center expansion within the region.
Angie Sapik stated her concern that without proper safeguards, rural Wisconsin could be overwhelmed by data center interests. While she voted for a 2024 budget that included subsidies for data centers, she emphasized the need to protect northern Wisconsin and differentiate policy based on regional needs, such as between Dane County and the northern areas. Sapik supports local moratoriums within the 25th Senate District to allow for more public information and input, but she opposes a statewide moratorium, believing local communities should make these decisions.
Erik Severson, a family medicine physician and former Assembly member, also advocates for local control, arguing that Madison should not force data centers on counties like Polk or Iron if they do not wish to host them. He opposes a statewide moratorium, viewing it as a "one-size-fits-all mandate." Severson takes concerns about data centers seriously, particularly regarding potential impacts on energy costs, noting recent rate increases by utilities like Xcel Energy, and water usage. He suggested prioritizing investments in forestry, skilled trades, and small businesses for the Northwoods over data centers.