De Pere, Milwaukee advance 1-year data center moratoriums
Planning bodies in De Pere and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have approved proposed one-year moratoriums on large-scale data center development. These measures, which still require final approval from their respective common councils, aim to give the cities time to review local rules and address potential impacts on land use, utilities, and infrastructure.
De Pere, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee are progressing with proposals for one-year moratoriums on large-scale data center developments. Planning bodies in both communities approved the proposed measures on Monday night, which now await final approval from their respective common councils.
De Pere Mayor James Boyd stated the moratorium would allow the city to review and update its local codes regarding hyperscale data centers, acknowledging that while De Pere currently has no such projects, the pause is a proactive step. Boyd also expressed a desire for state and federal guidance on data center development, highlighting a common challenge for municipalities.
Concerns prompting these actions include potential impacts on land use, local infrastructure, and utility costs. Lauren French, a resident of Denmark, Wisconsin, expressed worry about rural landscapes being transformed by large concrete structures. Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, emphasized the need for data centers to cover their own infrastructure costs and for communities to address energy and water issues. Mayor Boyd's personal observation of a data center near Port Washington, Wisconsin, underscored the immense scale and resource demands of these facilities.