Ashwaubenon committee backs data center moratorium as show of transparency
Ashwaubenon's Plan Commission unanimously endorsed a proposal for a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers exceeding 100,000 square feet or 20 megawatts. This move, intended as a show of transparency, aims to provide time to research potential impacts and draft new zoning regulations for data centers while the village overhauls its general zoning laws. The proposed moratorium awaits a vote by the Village Board on June 23.
The Ashwaubenon Plan Commission in Wisconsin unanimously voted on June 2 to recommend a 12-month moratorium on new large-scale data centers. This proposed law, which would forbid the village from accepting applications for data centers larger than 100,000 square feet or those using more than 20 megawatts of electricity, is scheduled for a Village Board vote on June 23.
Village Administrator Joel Gregozeski stated the moratorium is intended to provide the village time and space to address public concerns, engage with constituents, and research the potential environmental, economic, health, and safety impacts of hyperscale data centers. This comes amid local concerns regarding a developer's interest in building a 1-gigawatt AI data center in the region and a planned overhaul of the village's zoning laws. The moratorium would also allow officials to craft specific zoning laws and regulations for data centers, separating these discussions from other zoning issues.
Ashwaubenon officials explicitly drafted their ordinance to sidestep state law requirements for development moratoriums, which typically require proof of overburdened utilities or health/safety risks. This approach is similar to one taken by Manitowoc County, which adopted a data center moratorium on April 29. The decision follows Brown County officials declining a countywide pause and local discussions about the legality of such moratoriums, especially after residents in the Village of Wrightstown petitioned for one.