Proposed data center near Beloit raises concerns in the community

Dozens of community members in the town of Beloit, Wisconsin gathered at the Beloit Public Library on Wednesday night to discuss a proposed data center project that could be built in the area. The meeting was organized by a local group called 'No Beloit Data Center' to share information and concerns about the potential project. According to Brittnay Keyes with Healthy Climate Wisconsin, large-scale data centers can have significant environmental impacts, including on air quality, water usage, and increased energy demands that could lead to higher electricity rates. Some residents expressed fears about the health and economic implications for the community. Town leaders stated that the project is still in its early stages, and no formal proposals or applications have been submitted to the town at this point. They say residents will have opportunities to voice their concerns to the town board before any decisions are made. In July 2022, the Town of Beloit entered into a predevelopment agreement with Cambrin LLC, allowing the developer to study a 430-acre gravel pit site on the northeast side of the town for a potential data center project. Residents are concerned about the impacts this could have, with one saying, "We already have high rates of asthma, chronic disease. We do not need the increased environmental pollution and increase burden to our health and community." The next Town of Beloit meeting is scheduled for March 16th, where residents will likely have another chance to discuss the potential data center proposal.