Winnebago County considers yearlong moratorium on data centers
Winnebago County, Wisconsin, is considering a yearlong moratorium on large-scale data center proposals. The proactive measure aims to allow the county to study potential impacts and update its local regulations before any development occurs. The proposal will first go to the Planning and Zoning Committee in July before a full Board vote.
Winnebago County, Wisconsin, is contemplating a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data center proposals. The County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday night to discuss the potential pause, which would allow officials time to study the environmental and infrastructural impacts of data centers and update local zoning regulations.
County Executive Gordon Hintz stated that no data centers have currently expressed interest in locating in Winnebago County. However, he emphasized the importance of a proactive approach, citing the rapid development of data centers in other Wisconsin communities that outpaced regulatory frameworks. Hintz aims to prevent similar issues in Winnebago County by establishing clear guidelines before development begins.
The proposed moratorium's scope would be limited to four towns where the county handles general zoning: Algoma, Omro, Neenah, and Nekimi. The policy discussion is set to commence in July with the Planning and Zoning Committee, after which the full Board would need to approve the measure for it to take effect.