Vernon County explores data center moratorium amid transmission line fight and legal uncertainty

Vernon County, Wisconsin, is deliberating a temporary moratorium or new ordinances to regulate the rapid growth of large-scale data centers. The General Government Committee initiated this discussion following a data center project rejection in nearby Grant County and amid proposals for the Maribell high-voltage transmission line, which critics argue is driven by data center energy demands. The county's efforts are complicated by a recent leadership vacuum in its legal department. Corporation Counsel Nikki Swayne, who is under contract, gave notice to end her services and was absent from the May 6 committee meeting. Her absence drew criticism from Supervisor Wayde Lawler, who emphasized the legal complexities involved in regulating data centers and joining a utility lawsuit. Swayne provided a written memo, warning against interpreting legal advice in isolation. Without direct legal counsel, the committee turned to Zoning and Sanitation Administrator Matt Albright to assess the county's authority. Albright indicated that state statutes allow cities and villages to implement a two-year development moratorium for comprehensive zoning, but he was unsure if this power extends to county governments, particularly since much of Vernon County remains unzoned. Supervisors like Mary Henry highlighted that developers target regions like Vernon County due to lax zoning, cool climate, and water availability. Swayne's memo noted that the state legislature is addressing data center development, and proactive local regulation significantly influences developer site selection. The committee has tasked Albright with consulting Swayne to clarify the county's statutory authority and explore regulatory language, with plans to discuss the concept with individual town boards.