Billings applauds La Crosse County data center pause, but state or federal action needs to happen
La Crosse County in western Wisconsin has enacted an 18-month moratorium on data center developments, a move applauded by State Rep. Jill Billings. However, this local moratorium has limitations as it only applies where county zoning has authority, exempting many municipalities. Both local officials and state representatives emphasize the need for comprehensive state or federal regulations to fully address concerns like pollution, water use, noise, and utility costs associated with data centers.
Wisconsin State Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) has expressed strong support for La Crosse County's recent decision to implement an 18-month moratorium on large-scale AI data center developments. The move follows growing concerns from constituents in the 95th Assembly District, which includes parts of La Crosse and Monroe counties, regarding potential impacts such as pollution, increased water usage, noise, utility cost hikes, and light pollution in the ecologically sensitive Driftless Region.
La Crosse County Board member Dillon Mader, co-author of the moratorium legislation, highlighted its limitations, noting that it does not apply to the 18 municipalities within the county that have their own zoning authority, including the cities of La Crosse and Onalaska, and several villages and towns. This jurisdictional gap underscores the need for broader legislative action, with Billings advocating for comprehensive state or federal regulations to effectively safeguard communities against the potential negative consequences of data center proliferation.
While regulatory bills concerning data centers were introduced by both parties in the Wisconsin Legislature, none passed before the session concluded in March. State leaders, including Governor Tony Evers, would need to call for an extraordinary or special session to address the issue before next year's legislative session, which commences after the November elections. Neighboring Monroe County is also scheduled to consider a similar data center moratorium in July, though it is expected to face similar jurisdictional challenges.