St. Croix County committee to consider data center moratorium next month

The St. Croix County Community Development Committee is set to reconsider a temporary moratorium on data centers during its June 11 meeting, after initially tabling the item due to a lack of comprehensive information. Committee member Dani Erickson, who initially requested the moratorium discussion, advocated for it to be added back to the agenda. This decision follows a recent rejection of a data center proposal by the Hammond Village Board and concerns raised by Hammond residents. St. Croix County staff are now tasked with compiling a report to assess the needs and impacts of data centers, including a review of potential comprehensive plan amendments and how other counties have addressed similar developments. Committee Chair Scott Counter emphasized the need for a fact-based decision, stating that gathering all information is crucial. Committee Vice Chair Kerry Reis echoed this sentiment, stressing the rapidly changing nature of data center technology and the need for a full conversation on impacts, as well as the costs and limitations of a county-level moratorium. Erickson presented a framework for addressing small-, medium-, and large-scale data centers, which includes legal and regulatory review, energy and grid impact analysis, public listening sessions, and the drafting of an ordinance. She highlighted that a temporary moratorium would provide necessary time for thoughtful review and legally defensible decisions that reflect the long-term interests of St. Croix County residents. The proposed moratorium, if approved by the committee and then the county board, would apply to towns and unincorporated areas within St. Croix County, excluding incorporated areas like cities and villages.