Dane County board member discusses data center moratorium consideration
The Dane County Board is considering an 18-month moratorium on hyperscale data center development within the county's zoned towns. This temporary pause aims to allow an advisory committee to thoroughly research the potential impacts of data centers on land use, the environment, water resources, and energy demands. The proposal, which has been recommended by a committee, is set for a full county board vote on June 4th.
The Dane County Board is contemplating an 18-month moratorium on data center development, specifically targeting hyperscale facilities within the 26 towns subject to county zoning. This measure, introduced earlier this month, seeks to halt the approval of zoning-related permits for data center placement and construction, allowing time for the county board's advisory committee on data centers to complete its research.
According to County Board Chair Patrick Miles, who established the committee in November, the objective is to serve as a resource for communities, empowering them with information to make informed decisions about such developments. The committee is examining a range of issues, including land use compatibility, potential loss of productive farmland, ecological and water resource impacts, and energy demands on ratepayers.
However, the proposal faces criticism, with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce issuing a statement that calls the moratorium an "unnecessary, blunt approach" that sends a "damaging signal" to investors. Miles countered, emphasizing the importance of due diligence for communities regarding long-term land use decisions and deeming an 18-month pause to understand all impacts as reasonable.
The proposal recently went before the Zoning and Land Regulation Committee, where Chair Miles moved a substitute resolution to narrow the moratorium's scope to hyperscale data centers. The committee unanimously recommended this amended version, sending it to the full County Board for a vote on June 4th.