This Wisconsin county is considering pressing pause on data center construction
Brown County, Wisconsin, is considering a proposed moratorium on data center construction, with its Planning, Development and Transportation Committee expected to vote soon. Due to a lack of county-wide zoning, the moratorium would serve as guidance for municipalities rather than an outright ban. The Wisconsin Data Center Coalition has voiced concerns about misinformation driving these moratoriums.
Brown County's Planning, Development and Transportation Committee is set to vote on a proposed moratorium on data center construction on June 2, 2026. Supervisor Christopher Welch introduced the idea, explaining that while moratoriums typically halt development, Brown County's lack of county-wide zoning means this moratorium would function as "guidance" or a "framework" for individual municipalities when approached about data center projects. This approach aims to provide local communities with more leverage in regulating development decisions.
County-level moratoriums on data centers are becoming more common across Wisconsin, with Manitowoc County having enacted one in late April. Tricia Braun, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Data Center Coalition, acknowledged that moratoriums offer communities time to gather information. However, she expressed concern over what she termed a "larger amount of false information" fueling fear and pushback against data centers, specifically addressing common misconceptions by stating that data centers use closed-loop water systems that do not impact local water supplies and do not affect utility rates. If approved by the committee, the proposed moratorium would then advance to the full Brown County Board for a final vote. Separately, the Village of Wrightstown recently voted to include a referendum on data centers on its August 2026 ballot.