Port Washington alderman calls for environmental study on Vantage data center's second phase

A Port Washington alderman has penned a letter advocating for a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS) for the upcoming second phase of the Vantage data center project in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The alderman recently addressed a panel of Wisconsin gubernatorial candidates in Milwaukee, pressing them on whether they would support requiring the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct such a study for Vantage's expansion. Concerns were raised regarding the state agency's strained resources and the perceived lack of regulatory oversight for hyperscale data center developments across the state.

The letter highlights significant local frustration, stating that Port Washington residents were not afforded an EIS for the initial phase of the project. The alderman asserts that a thorough assessment for phase two is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and protecting the community's air, water, and public health. The author suggests that an EIS would prioritize resident well-being over corporate interests, particularly given the substantial tax abatements supporting the project. The alderman concluded by noting the growing importance of this issue to voters in Ozaukee, Racine, and Dodge counties.