Zoning committee approves 12-month data center moratorium
The Vilas County Zoning and Planning Committee unanimously advanced a proposed 12-month moratorium on permitting and developing data centers, battery storage systems and certain solar systems. The full Vilas County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the ordinance in November, allowing time to develop regulations addressing environmental and public safety concerns.
The Vilas County Zoning and Planning Committee unanimously supported a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center, battery energy storage and certain solar energy development. The measure would pause permitting while the county considers rules addressing issues including glare, stormwater, vegetation management, groundwater and surface water quality.
Zoning Administrator Dave Sadenwasser said no developers or operators have contacted the county about projects and that the moratorium is intended as a planning measure. Committee Chair Richard Logan, Supervisor Dan Kramer and other members supported the proposal as a way to balance economic growth with protection of Vilas County’s natural resources. The full Vilas County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the ordinance at its November meeting; Oneida County has already enacted a similar moratorium.