Expert: Policies needed to manage data center demand
Monroe, WI is considering proactive policies to manage future data center development, following a consultant's report. The city's Plan Commission discussed regulatory options like zoning code changes, as the Green County zoning committee plans to discuss a one-year data center moratorium. Consultant Shannon Haydin advised taking proactive measures for land use, energy, and water, noting that Monroe currently faces no immediate data center proposals.
The Monroe Plan Commission in Wisconsin is proactively considering policies to manage the potential influx of data centers, following a report from consultant Shannon Haydin of Vandewalle & Associates. Haydin informed city officials about the various types of data centers and their significant demands on resources, particularly electricity and water. She emphasized the importance of planning now, as the city currently faces no immediate development proposals, providing an opportunity for proactive regulation.
The discussion in Monroe comes as the Green County zoning committee is scheduled to meet on July 13 to consider implementing a one-year moratorium on data center construction. Haydin suggested that policy options for the city include regulating or banning data centers through zoning codes, or adopting a temporary moratorium similar to the county's proposed approach. However, she cautioned that a moratorium should not be a long-term solution and must be accompanied by active comprehensive land-use planning updates.
Commission member Ron Spielman echoed this sentiment, stressing that a moratorium alone is insufficient and that the city has broader responsibilities beyond just implementing a temporary halt. The expert testimony and ongoing discussions underscore a regional effort to grapple with the growing demands of the data center industry on rural landscapes and local infrastructure.