Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul urges state lawmakers to pass data center regulations

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is advocating for state lawmakers to enact legislation establishing clear policies and regulations for companies interested in building data centers within the state. Kaul's push comes as he prepares to seek a third term and addresses concerns from voters regarding data center developments.

Local governmental bodies, specifically counties, are currently debating and passing ordinances and moratoriums that could impact proposed projects. Major data center projects are either under construction or have been proposed in cities such as Beaver Dam, Mount Pleasant, and Port Washington, while others in Northeast Wisconsin are facing local opposition.

Attorney General Kaul emphasized that any new legislation should incorporate safeguards to prevent increased electricity costs for residents, given the significant energy consumption of data centers. He also called for robust environmental protections and the enforcement of high working standards to ensure decent-paying jobs. Kaul stressed the importance of having consistent, statewide rules, noting that the Attorney General's office can only take enforcement actions when a law is being violated.

Currently, Wisconsin reportedly has between 47 and 53 operational data centers, with an additional 16 projects either in the planning stages or under construction.